Running To You Page 4

  As I turned to walk to the island bar, I could hear Grayson take in a deep breath, but he was speechless...could it be the skirt? Facing Cooper, he was winking at me. I guess I had my answer.

  “Grayson, this is my life-long best friend, Cooper, the best brother I ever had.” Pleasantly, the gentlemen shook hands. Coop kissed my cheek and was out the door, he had plans. On his way out, he let me know that he may not be home when I got back. His plans were taking him late into the evening with Mark, Monica and some of the other stylists he met at work.

  Taking my hand in his and playing with my fingers, Grayson touched my face with his free hand and brought my chin up. He brought his lips to mine and gave me the sweetest, lingering kiss that left me breathless! His mouth tasted so good and when he pulled away, he left me wanting more.

  “I have wanted to do that since Friday. You have the most kissable lips," as he traced his thumb across my lower lip. “This is my apology for acting like such an asshole to you in my office.” As he kissed my lips again, “I have not been able to stop thinking about doing this since I first laid eyes on you. Thoughts of you keep filling my head and driving me crazy. God, you are beautiful!”

  Taking a step back, “I saw you last Friday walking with Cooper to Sambuca's, so I followed thinking maybe he's a boyfriend or husband. I was immediately jealous and I needed to know if you were available, Alexandra.”

  “Wow, I wasn’t expecting that, yes, I am available Grayson.” Speaking in barely a whisper, I was still trying to catch my breath. My heart was leaping for glory, my pulse racing, and face blushing.

  “If you weren’t expecting that, then you should’ve worn a different skirt!” and we both startled giggling. He pulled me into a deep kiss, bringing my whole body in tightly to him. It was perfect. We felt perfect together. I didn’t want to leave; I just wanted to be here with him.

  He pulled back muttering something about leaving before he couldn’t stop himself. We held hands as we made our way to his car. When we got to his car, I am not certain what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t a CL63! A very beautiful, distinguished black Mercedes and he looked gorgeous next to it, as he opened the door for me. His genuine smile, made my stomach turn in flips and I loved his show of chivalry.

  We left the car with the valet and he kept his hand on my lower back as we walked in. I wasn’t used to men pulling out the chair for me. He kissed my cheek as he helped me take my seat. Our seats were close to the dance floor and we could hear the wonderful music of Creya’s band playing. We were enjoying a glass of wine before dinner and he reached over and took my hand in his, playing with my fingers. After some time, Grayson stood and held out his hand, “Please dance with me,” he asked with a cute grin on his face.

  “Grayson, you don’t want to do that, really! I will embarrass you, I am a horrible dancer.” Nevertheless, he pulled me to my feet and led me out on the small dance floor. It was just us, and it felt as if every eye in the room was drinking us in, but soon, I did not care. Grayson Brooks was beautiful and for the moment, he was mine, my date for the evening. He was holding me so tight and gently swaying to a beautiful song. He started humming along and I could not hold my hands back any longer, I had to feel that silky hair of his. We were so wrapped up into each other; it felt like we were in “couple-land.” When the song was over, the room erupted into applause. Creya added, “Thank you to the lovely couple for sharing in the magic of music.”

  We took our seats and enjoyed a fabulous dinner that Grayson ordered for me. I wasn’t used to someone making my choices for me; I had been doing that since I was 12. However, tonight I did not mind, and his choice of grilled fish in a chardonnay sauce was decadent and did not disappoint. We talked about our love of sports, especially shooting hoops. Another common interest: The Chicago Bears, which was a big hit for me, as anyone that loves the Bears, is a friend of mine. We both like to run, he likes to lift weights and I like Pilates and Yoga, he loves to eat fish and so do I. I found that his favorite weekend past time of watching football on Sunday afternoons with pizza and beer were right up my alley.

  “When you were here last Friday night with Cooper, was that the first time you had been here for dinner?”

  “Yes, it was the first time we’d been here, but it was only for drinks. Cooper found this place while out for a run that morning and decided we should come check it out. Both of us enjoy sultry, jazz music and even more when it’s live.”

  “I agree and I have found a love for music as well and listen to it 24/7, in the car, even the Operating Room. I play it constantly when I am at home and now, I sleep to it. I read a study a couple of years ago, about how playing music softly all night, helps one relax and get into a deeper sleep. Since I have been doing that, I do sleep better.”

  “I haven’t heard about that, but it sounds like a novel idea. I will have to try that, especially since our apartment is equipped with an iPod intercom, Coop and I share the same artists.”

  The night seemed to move excessively fast, through music, dancing, and delightful conversation. Then it happened, my favorite song came on. Creya was doing a cover of Start All Over Again by Dave Koz and Grayson pulled me to my feet taking me to the dance floor. He had us swaying so sexily, as I have never had anyone dance with me before. I think we almost needed a room. We were so tuned in to each other that I didn’t mind when he laid the most beautiful, delicate, kiss on me that lingered through, what seemed like an eternity. He left me powerless.

  “Alexandra, I know we have been seeing each other all of a hot minute, but I want private time with you. Let’s get out of here” his words were so sharp, it seemed like he was on a mission.

  “Grayson wait, did something wrong just happen here?”

  “No Alexandra, you are ah, God, you are so beautiful, your lips are so delicate, I want to be alone with you. If we stay here, I can’t be held responsible for my public display of affection.” We both started giggling as we drove off to the apartment complex.

  “Your place or mine, Alexandra”

  “Uh...hmm, yours,” was all I could muster up. I was so nervous. Grayson’s touch, his kisses, made me senseless. But the problem was my alter ego kicking into gear, reminding me that I would not be able to go through with what it appeared he had in mind.

  Grayson had never let go of my hand since we started our date, except to get in and out of the car or to eat. I wasn’t sure if this was a mechanism to calm his nerves or if it was a way to hold on to me so that I could not leave. He had been so quiet since leaving the restaurant, I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, his blue eyes so intense. My heart was racing and I am sure he could feel my pulse while holding my hand.

  I knew that going to his place would give me time to get to know him better. Ask questions that I had about him. I still didn’t know how or where he grew up, or why he decided on the Army, or anything about his parents. I didn’t have much time to think or analyze things, as we were already at his apartment.

  Grayson’s apartment was on the opposite side of the complex from mine. His layout was different; he had a smaller island and a separate wine/coffee bar. His decor was modern, in sleek black and grey colors with splashes of red.

  Letting go of my hand, “Would you like to join me in a glass of wine?” He asked as he put on some background music. Ah yes, I Wish You Love by Rachael Yamagata. Grayson was setting the mood up right!

  “Of course, Grayson, I...” he shushed me with his lips. Those sexy lips taking mine, like he owned me, this time he was lavishing my mouth with his tongue and biting my lower lip, our hands were in each other's hair, he was nibbling my neck, and then, he slid one of his hands down my back and rested it on my backside pulling me as tight as possible to him.

  “I can’t get enough of you Alexandra. You are simply beautiful. I am drawn to you. I have been ever since I turned the corner in my office and laid eyes on you. Your red hair is breathtaking. Your glorious green eyes talk to me. I long to touch your creamy white skin
and gorgeous long legs, and this delicate backside of yours. I don’t want to let you go. Will you stay here with me tonight?”

  “Grayson, um, I...I don’t know.” he held up his finger to my lips.

  “Shh, Alex, please don’t say no. I am not expecting anything. I just want the time with you alone, whatever it takes. I just need time with you! Please say you will give me that?”

  “Grayson there are things about me that you don’t know and may not understand. I don’t know how to say this,” at this point I am trembling so bad that he has to hold me tight just so that I can stay standing.

  Guiding me to his black leather sofa, “Come sit with me, just enjoy the music and relax, you don’t have to say anything. Just let me hold you.” He was running his finger down my bare arm and holding my hand with the other. Gently leaving tiny butterfly kisses on my temple and taking long breaths in my hair. It was as if he was drinking me in with all of his senses.

  “It’s been awhile since I have met someone that enjoys so many of the same things that I do and also can appreciate my chosen profession as a breast surgeon without being jealous. You understand the challenges that come with such a sensitive subject. I can talk shop with you, you get it, I can talk sports, and you get that too! You are a guy’s gal, the complete package. I am surprised some lucky guy hasn’t snatched you up by now?”

  “Well, I haven’t found the right person that can deal with my love for the Chicago Bears!” Trying to laugh and keep it simple. But the way he was looking at me I could tell he wanted to know me inside and out. Realizing before we could go any further, I would have to let him know I was packing baggage. If he decided that he couldn’t deal with all of me, I needed to know now before it hurt too bad to let go. I was used to men walking out on me once they knew my story, once they knew I was damaged goods. It still amazes me to this day to see how shallow people are!

  “Grayson, there is something you must know.” My voice quivering and my lips trembling, I paused taking a big sip of wine, “I have never had an adult...um, sexual experience. This is very hard for me, I’m sorry.” I paused and took a deep breath of courage. “When I was 16, I was raped and I have never been with anyone since. I have tried and can never get past my anxiety. It just comes over me in a panic attack.” Before I could stop, I jumped up and ran out the door, running so fast, not even realizing that I ran out of my shoes and left my purse.

  I bolted to my apartment and the door was unlocked, grateful that Cooper was home early. I ran in screaming and sobbing hysterically. My makeup is a mess.

  “Alexandra what the hell happened?” Cooper ran into the kitchen, grabbing me.

  “What the hell did that son-of-a-bitch do to you? Where is he, I will?”

  “NO. STOP. He didn’t do anything. It was me, I had...am having an attack. When I told him what happened to me, and” sobbing erratically, I sunk to the floor, while Coop held on to me.

  “Slow your breathing down, Alex. I will get your medicine” mumbling under his breath, “Just freakin’ great, her nightmares will start all over again.” I suddenly realized that we were not alone.

  Cooper had company, I just interrupted his evening with Mark, and I must have left the door open because Grayson is standing in my entry hall holding my purse and shoes. He looks completely withered.

  Cooper returns with my medicine, turns to Grayson asking him to come in and close the door. “Hey Doc, she will be out cold in less than 30 minutes on that stuff, so I will just help her get in to bed and then you and I can have a nice long chat.” As he helps me off the floor, he starts to lead me to my room.

  “I want Grayson to come too. Oh, and Mark, I am so, so sorry.” Pausing in between sobs, “Coop will fill you in and I promise I will make it up to you both.”

  Being the gentleman that he is, Grayson bends down, scoops me up, and carries me in to the bedroom with Cooper giving him a gritty-eye look and following close behind us. It was going to become the battle of the caretaker, Grayson being the good doctor that he is and Cooper always being my savior.

  Coop pulled out my Chicago Bears t-shirt and yoga pants. He helped me get my skirt off while Grayson fidgeted with the TV remote in my room. I have no idea if he snuck a peek or not, at that moment the meds were kicking in and I didn’t care. Besides, it is what he sees everyday at the office.

  Grayson’s voice was barely audible, “Alexandra, what do you want me to do, do you want me to go, need me to stay? What, what can I do? However, I can tell you this, if you are trying to scare me off, it’s not working.”

  I didn’t know when Coop left us alone, but he wasn’t in my room that I could see. I was all snug in my bed and Grayson was sitting on the edge of the bed by me. He was just looking at me with the most alluring blue eyes. There was no sign of fear, no sign that he would run away from me.

  “I'm really sorry Grayson. I didn’t handle that well. Will you stay with me until I fall asleep?”

  “Alexandra, I am here for you and I’m not going anywhere” and then, the fog set in and I disappeared into dreamland.

  I woke up early in the morning before dawn. The delicious aroma of something cooking smelled heavenly. I could hear voices coming from the kitchen. Grayson was not in my room, but my spare pillow and a blanket was folded neatly on the bench at the foot of the bed. I suppose he spent some time or even the night here, I’m not sure, but he was gone now.

  I walk in to the kitchen and there to my shock is Coop, Mark, and Grayson cooking breakfast and chatting away. It sounded like a frat house!

  “Hey, what is this? A slumber party and I am not invited?” Trying to find my humor.

  “And a good morning to you too, Alexandra” Grayson says to me as he walks over and hands me a cup of coffee and a glass of juice, planting the sweetest kiss to my forehead.

  “Down the juice and sip the coffee, as you get a shower, Dr.’s orders. When you come out we will get you something to eat, does an egg white omelet and artisan toast sound good?”

  “Grayson, have you been here all night?”

  “Yes, I said I would not leave you; although, I did this morning while I went for a run, home to shower and change. I don’t know how you’re feeling this morning, but if you’re still up to it today, we have four cases in the O.R. starting in 90 minutes. So move it soldier,” pausing to kiss me again quickly, like he’s 14 and trying to get up his courage for a first kiss with an audience. “IF and that’s only IF, you feel up to it?”

  “I do. I can’t wait. Be out in a few minutes.”

  No need for glamour since we are going to be in the O.R. all day. However, I did want to look perkier, so I applied a facial scrub to bring back some color to my cheeks and put my hair in a ponytail. I pulled on my scrubs and Danskos', the most comfortable shoes on the planet, and some pretty coral lip-gloss.

  The kitchen was bustling and the guys seemed to be in control. The fresh baked bread with an omelet was just the right remedy. I haven’t felt more relaxed and more excited about a workday in so long. Well I simply can’t remember a day starting like this.

  Bidding good day to Coop and Mark, I grabbed my purse and rummaged for my keys walking out the door with Grayson.

  “Alexandra, I will drive you today since you will be with me all day.”

  “But...”

  “No buts, Alexandra. You took strong pills very late last night and it is early morning. They are still in your system. If you need to leave for any reason, I will get you a cab, but for now, you are riding with me. Understood?”

  “Absolutely. Thank you for being here and for not running away from me?”

  “Alexandra, I have told you I am not going anywhere. Just so you know, I’m not a stalker, but I also don’t beg, ever. So if you tell me straight out that you want nothing to do with me, then yes, I’ll take a hike. However, if you are as interested in me as I am you, then we will work through our issues.”

  He drowns out the noise of the traffic with the smooth music on his iPod, holding my han
d and stroking my knuckles with his thumb. Just then, Lover You Should’ve Come Over starts playing in the background and both of us seem to be lost in the music and drift off in our thoughts. Listening to the words of the song on Grayson’s playlist tells me that maybe he too, has an unlucky-in-love story, and that I am not the only one dragging a spent love cart behind me. I want to get to know Grayson more and explore my feelings that are developing for him. I want to know the man that cares for his patients as much as I have seen in him so far. I want to know why he isn’t married already. Or has he been divorced and does he have children? I want to know about his family life, his ARMY life, boxers, or briefs. Seriously, my mind just went there and I am thinking boxers! This guy is under my skin, like I have never known. When he touches me, I tingle in delicate places, which is a first for me. I have never experienced a burning, yearning desire deep within my inner goddess before. My brain always kicks in and I’m always running away.

  Pulling in to the Physician parking lot, we received a few looks from other physicians when Grayson got out and opened my door before I could do it on my own.

  “Grayson, people are looking. We need to remain professional. I don’t need hospital gossip or a conflict affecting my work!”

  “Alexandra, I get it but it’s just a door and I still believe in chivalry!” His look was as stern as his tone.

  The surgery team was none the wiser for the first case, as things ticked along like clockwork. However as the day progressed, the team began to give funny looks to each other. I am sure it was because Grayson had become very friendly and was in the best mood. He talked to me throughout the procedures and even sang along to the music playing on his iPod throughout the room. I am sure that they could feel the chemistry between us. In fact, at one point, the anesthesiologist looked over at me and winked. He was on to it, on to us. I’m sure of it.

  We finished the last case around two and he still had rounds to make. So I waited for him in his office, the ill-fated break room again. This time, Zoe and Millie joined me from time-to-time to chat in-between calls and charts.