Heat (Gimme 5)

“We can’t be sure.” God, I’m so glad he can’t feel how wet he’s making me. My buff, shirtless man candy carries me through the ER.

“Um sir. What’s going on?” the guard at the entrance asks. I’m trying to remain unbothered, but I’m completely embarrassed.

“My limo accidentally hit her,” he grumbles, hating the words coming out of his mouth as if he’d rather be chewing glass.

I pat his chest unconsciously while saying, “I told him I’m fine, but he doesn’t listen.”

“Actually, he’s right to bring you in. This way,” a doctor steps into the conversation. Micah carries me like a warrior with his spoils. The doctor leads us to an open bed. “Set her down there.”

A frown crosses Micah’s face as he follows the doctor’s request. Without being in his arms, I can finally see his complete chest again, and I’m practically panting like a cat in heat. My hips rock, catching both men’s attention. I stop immediately, losing count of how many times I’ve managed to make a fool of myself today.

The doctor gives Micah a strange look and says. “Nice physique, but this is a hospital not a porn set. Do you have a shirt?”

“Sorry. Shit I completely forgot. The accident caused hot coffee to spill on me. I couldn’t get the damn clothes off fast enough.” The doctor leans in to inspect his chest.

I try to keep my eyes off it, but damn, I can’t stop from stealing a peek. He’s got a light smattering of hair right at his pecs, that thins down to his abs. I want to brush my hands over him again, but that’s totally nuts. I don’t know him, and I’m in a freaking hospital instead of on my way to work.

Shit. I’m going to be late to work—something I can’t afford to do.

“Actually, now I see it. You do have a burn on your chest. Nothing a little cream won’t fix. Let me bring in someone to bandage it and get you something to wear.” The doctor claps his shoulder and steps out of the room.

As he exits, a woman in her thirties comes in with a smile. “Hello. I’m Nurse Rachael. I’m here to take your information and vitals.” I go over my personal information which Micah focuses on.

He whispers my name gently, “Violet.” The action goes straight to my heart which the damn monitor picks up. She doesn’t say anything, but she gives me a wink.

“I don’t have any insurance at the moment. I can’t afford it,” I mutter under my breath. Number two-hundred and two on the fool checklist. This day hopefully won’t get any worse. Maybe I can still make it to work and pull a late night.

“Don’t worry about that. It’s my fault for it all.” He runs his fingers down my arm, trying to get me to go with his command.

My body heats up so quickly, my pulse is on fire. It takes me a moment to point out that I’m the one to blame for it all even if I can’t afford the medical bills. “I ran into the street.”

“Stop arguing with me. It’s pointless because you’re not going to win.” Fuck, I want to throw my hands in his and let him take care of me, but I’m afraid of how much I want more of this man. I’ve never depended on a soul in my life; now I want to let him take control and take stress away from me.

What other control would I like him to have? Thoughts of his lips on mine, dance in my head as he gives the nurse his personal information. He’s from Chicago. Damn, so my dream man is genuinely on business. He’ll probably be gone tomorrow, and I’ll be spending the next week trying to fix the damage this day has brought.

“Fine.” I cross my arms and wince, hitting a nice bruise on my forearm.

“You’re going to need x-rays,” he snarls.

“I doubt that.” I protest even though I’m not sure. Honestly, being in his arms made all the pain disappear. Now it’s as if the aches are all back. How can that be? I’m not a hypochondriac or a soft person. I’ve been through too much to not be made of tougher stuff.

“We’ll have to wait and see. So far you seem clear headed, so it’ll be up to the physician after a thorough exam.”

“I don’t want you to hesitate to run the tests,” he informs her.

Another nurse enters, pushing the curtain partition aside to bandage Micah’s chest, and I feel a pang of jealousy at the sight. She’s moving mechanically as if she’s unaffected by him, but the slight blush on her face says otherwise. She hands him a hospital gown to wear.

“Damn, it doesn’t match,” he teases the nurse.

“Sorry we’re clear out of plain white dress shirts for your size.” She taps his arm and then looks back at me. “The doctor will be back shortly. Ms. Flowers, please change into this. And I need to ask. Is there a chance you could be pregnant?” I turn completely red and shake my head.