Gail and Holly

After the ER

The walk to the car was quiet. It was rainy and cold and I missed the warmth of Holly's hand. I wanted to reach out for it, to slip my fingers through hers as we walked through the parking lot, but I somehow couldn't conjure up the nerve. And why couldn't I? We had just spent the better part of the evening holding hands in front of my colleagues in the waiting room, following an absolutely insane day that saw us share our first real kiss. God, that kiss. It was everything and yet nothing in its sheer effortlessness.

I was snapped out of my overthinking by the sound of her voice, a voice that is both soft and absolute.

"Don't get used to this, Officer," she said playfully as she held open the passenger door for me.

I thought about offering one of my smartass one-liner comebacks, but the truth is that looking into her liquid brown eyes silenced me. All I could manage was a smile as I laid my hand on top of hers that was holding onto the doorframe. I offered her a few brushes of my thumb across the top of her hand. It was meant to be a simple gesture, masking enormous gratitude for how she had cared for me. And not just today, but all the days since she quite literally walked into my life. But my simple gesture quickly grew into something more. Her skin was so soft, and I had missed her contact. Without any forethought I raised her hand to my cheek. I needed to feel her touch. She didn't hesitate for a moment. She cupped the side of my face and her words were felt at my innermost core.

"Come home with me."

Words failed me, but my body didn't. I covered her hand with mine and I turned into her, offering a kiss on her soft palm. It was meant to be innocent, but really, how could it be? I had spent weeks fantasizing about what it would feel like to be with Holly where intimacy prevailed over all else; a moment in time that allowed us to be alone, and naked in our feelings. Me kissing her in one of our stark interview rooms earlier today was different – it was still driven by my nervous, compulsive energy. My tongue peaking out to touch her palm wasn't nervous, or compulsive. It was raw and intentional and the small moan that I swear I caught escaping her lips when my wet tongue made contact with her skin set my entire body on fire.

I stopped kissing her hand long enough to mumble out "Now. Please take me home, now."

The short car ride was painfully long, but delicious in shared anticipation. I couldn't remember the last time I felt so turned on. My heart rate had quickened and I kept stealing glances at the beautiful brunette that was doing a terrific job of continuing to turn me on with simple gestures. She bit her bottom lip at a stoplight and looked at me. I swear it took everything I had to not close the short distance between us and devour her right there. My physical draw to her was so strong that it scared me. Something had broken with our kiss earlier in the day, all the denying giving way to pure want. I had experienced terrifying moments of fear in the last twenty-fours, and moments of profound sadness. I had been shot at multiple times and then waited in fear to find out if colleagues that I love would even survive their injuries. The timing of my unbridled passion seemed to be highly questionable. I had always pictured Holly and I crossing the line after a long, romantic date. A late dinner, too much wine, fumbling apartment keys, accidental kissing leading to more, but not this. But who am I kidding? I've never done anything the 'normal' way. Why would this be any different? And realizing that life can end in an instant, my life, has maybe flipped a switch in my brain, and other body parts, thanks to Holly Stewart.

Once again, my overthinking was interrupted with that sexy voice.

"Do you still want to come upstairs?"

I couldn't answer.

"I could drive you home…you know, if you have changed your mind."

Her voice trailed off as I found mine.

"I haven't changed my mind since you first kissed in my the cloakroom, Hol. I am terrified, I have no idea what to do, but I think I might die in this very moment if you don't take me upstairs, get us out of these clothes, and into your bed. Ok?"

Her breathy exhale as she turned the car off was the sexiest sound I had ever heard.

to be continued….