"Nice big breath, in and out," I ask as the cold plastic front of the stethoscope touches James' small chest again. Concentrating hard, the blue eyed child nods and begins the repetitions of air intake, his breathing proving a little heavier than normal and a little huskier than I would like to see in a boy his age.
The cold front that has been pushing through the whole of Washington for the last week is definitely a relevant factor in the increased number of patients coming in to be seen, and it doesn't seem to be slowing up at all.
"Sounds a little chesty but I wouldn't worry too much," I say in an attempt at calming James' worried mother.
Pulling the instrument back from under his collar I hang it around my neck before fixing the pale yellow transformers shirt a little. Majoring in paediatric surgery and gaining masters as a general practitioner had been influenced by the soft spot I had for the little squirts. While I didn't have any of my own I didn't dwell on the fact, instead I chose to help as many as I possibly could with the time I had.
Rolling my chair back to the computer I pull up an electronic prescription sheet while quickly checking his allergy list. After having checked all his vital signs it seems that James' mother, Indigo, had caught the nasty bug just in time.
"So just rest then?" The curly haired woman asks, her small delicate hands clutching the large brown Soho handbag resting in her lap.
Indigo is not a conventionally pretty woman but the more I watch and study her, the more stunning she becomes through my eyes.
Her lashes are long and her lips are full which complement the deep ruby of her hair. It falls around her face in ringlets, framing a heart shaped jaw which is set with wide blue eyes. She's not waif thin like the women in the magazines who starve themselves to supposed perfection. Rather her body takes on a soft curvaceous outline, the fullness of it encompassing the plumpness of her lips. Her breasts are to die for but hidden beneath the soft baby blue cardigan which matches her eyes, and her calves look amazing even though she is wearing flats.
"I'll prescribe an antihistamine so the cough doesn't develop into something worse like a chest infection or bronchitis, but other than that, lots of rest. Try to keep his fluids up as well, that should stop any fevers from starting in," I explain as I print out and fold the prescription for something a little stronger than an over the counter medication can supply.
"Also," I smile, glancing down at the boy as I fill out the medical certificate ending with a John Hancock, "A week off school should do it. Now don't forget little man, lots of rest"
"Yes Mrs Leah," he mumbles, his cheeks flushing red from the small temperature he has been fighting for at least the last day or so, "but does that mean I can't play with my puppy anymore?" he asks, his blue eyes wide like his mother's, pleading with her for leniency.
Indigo looks to me for help and I can't help but comply, "How about you rest for the first few days to see how you go and play it by ear from then on."
With a resounded sigh he nods, his shaggy ashen hair falling in front of his eyes, "I guess"
"You guess, or you will?" Raising my eyebrow I stare at James waiting for him to cave.
"I will," he mumbles in defeat after a moment of silence, no doubt already planning to run back and forth in the yard with the puppy in tow when his mother is busy with the washing or dinner.
"Thank you Mrs Cullen, really," she smiles as she gathers her son in her arms and carries the tired six year old out of the room back toward the waiting area.
I restrain myself to the desk wondering why I have the insatiable urge to watch her walk away, to watch how she looks as her full hips strut down the narrow hall.
Running a hand over my face I try to shake free the thoughts of those fire red strands of hair running over my shoulders and my stomach; like ringlets of ink burning into my skin.
Washing my hands with sanitiser before leaving the room, I follow not too far behind mother and son, reaching the area just as they reach the counter to pay.
"Tina," I hiss, trying to gain her attention as she stifles busily through stacks of paperwork that needs to be lodged with the medical bodies around the city. I try not to raise my voice too much, not particularly fond of gaining a crowd.
"I see you Mrs Leah," she mumbles around the pen pressed between her ruby lips without looking up, "What can I do for you?"
Glancing around the half-filled waiting room I lower my voice once again, "I just wanted to check how Rosalie was doing on her first day. I didn't really have time this morning to catch up with her," I explain guilty, wondering if Rosalie had actually been too busy or if she had busied herself intentionally with patient paperwork before I'd arrived. The only words I'd heard from her all morning was that she was going to have a lunch break about fifteen minutes ago.
"Doing just fine. Girl has a knack with the rowdy children and the husband's find her pretty on the eye," Tina drawls, her thick accent shining through, "She's a little slow on the charts but she'll pick up. Girl has potential at least"
"That's great," I exhale happily, grabbing at the next file on the appointment tray, "I'm so glad it's working out. She deserves this chance"
Turning from the reception bench and opening the file I glance down at the name on the manila file. Time seems to freeze and it feels as though the entire colour drains from my face.
Slowly raising my eyes from the stark white paper I scan the waiting area and see him sitting there. His brown hair is slightly dishevelled and his smile is as radiant as ever, even with his eyes down cast, glued to one of the magazines from the waiting table.
He looks perfect sitting there, like some kind of dream, like he belongs here somehow. He's dressed in a black long sleeved shirt and his khaki pants hug nicely against his solidly built body. A thick grey scarf hangs loosely around his neck and there is no doubt in my mind that every woman in the area is fantasising about grabbing that scarf and pulling his lips towards theirs.
He's beautiful in every way, from the creases around his eyes as he smiles to the way his fingers stroke against the glossy page with such ease.
"Those are some dangerous looks there Mrs Leah. You be careful now," I hear Tina whisper in my ear as she materialises beside me, staring also at the new patient. Her voice registers as nothing but a faraway echo as Emmett's eyes slowly rise up to meet mine. He grins so brightly it looks as though it hurts and I can't help but return the gesture. I nod in his direction and lift the file, silently telling him that he's up next.
It doesn't take us long to head back to the exam room and I shut the door firmly; weary of the strange looks Tina seems to be shooting my way.
"Nice place you have here doc," Emmett mutters as he runs his hands over several items before taking a seat, "You enjoy your work here, at this practice I mean?"
"I've made a career out of this," I reply nonchalantly as I take a seat in front of my computer, "I'd be in a little bit of trouble if I didn't enjoy it, don't you agree," I question as I pull up his electronic file searching for any pre-markers or allergies I should be aware of.
"Hmm," is all he answers in reply, as if he is still contemplating my response.
"Have you ever been a patient here before today Emmett?" It's a question that is standard for all doctors consulting with a person they have never treated, yet it feels as though I am saying it just to spite him.
Rolling over toward him I gesture for him to fold up his long sleeves as I grab the blood pressure meter to wrap the black cuff around his upper arm. Instead of rolling the sleeves he slips his arm out and rests the hem at his neck, the material only covering half of his body now.
I try my hardest not to blush but it's all in vain. Even with his stomach crunched for me to reach his arm I can see how fit he is. His body looks like flesh has been laid over steel and he is much larger in mass than Edward is or probably could ever be. His shoulders are cut, amassing down to his strong biceps and forearms, before reaching his large wide palms.
"Nope. But I made sure my regular doctor sent over all my files. Hopefully you get them by this afternoon," he grins like a devil, resting his hand on my thigh as I scoot forward to adjust the cuff. I want to tell him to remove his hand, that I'm married and that I love my husband but the weight of it feels so nice. He's not moving his palm nor rubbing against me, only simply laying it, so I pay no attention. Even if it is all I can think about.
"Emmett, why aren't you seeing your usual doctor?" I have to ask this time because I really want to know.
Checking the pump gauge I begin inflating the small black plastic ball which increases the pressure of the cuff. As soon as the Velcro of the cuff begins to rip I read the measure and jot it down on an insert within the file.
"Why is there a problem? Are you not taking any more new patients?"
"No it's not that," I mutter, pulling the cuff from his arm and rolling back to my desk. "It says here your doctor was Dr Frank Marcowickz. Frankie is a really really good doctor Emmett."
"And?" he looks at me questionably.
"And I'll ask you again, why have you changed doctors?"
"Isn't it obvious Leah?" he sighs as a hand runs over his face when I fail to answer him.
"Not really Emmett, no. You leave one of the best doctors in Washington to come to me?" Before he can answer I hold up my hand and explain to him my thinking. "The way you hold your right shoulder tells me that you've sustained some kind of injury - sports injury no doubt, given you physique. Also given that you are right handed I suspect football or baseball, maybe an old injury from college. If you're having trouble with your shoulder there may be cartilage damage and a light scrapping may help with mobility. Frank is the best surgeon for the job Emmett, not me"
He breathes out a long breath as he glances from his hands to his feet, the always confident bubbly man disappearing in front of my eyes in almost an instant.
"1993, Clarke County's senior game," he says as he chews the inside of his top lip, "My whole world was football before it ended."
I can tell it affects him deeply as he refuses to meet my gaze, "I'm sorry," I offer, not knowing what else I can possibly say, "My brother plays as well. He had his knee totally reconstructed in his junior year."
"Does he still play?" Emmett asks with a small smile, less tense and more interested now that he's found I may possibly like football too. I have never been able to get a true handle on the game and the rules, but I did force myself to watch each of my brother's games.
"Yes, for Oakland," I nod as grab his wrist and twist it softly to look for any mobility issues that may also be affecting his movement.
"Really? What position?"
"Umm, I'm not really sure. Defence?"
"Tell me his name and I'll be able to tell you what position he plays."
I wonder how Emmett could possibly know that but then remember Edward telling me that he worked for the SportsScape channel as a sports statistician, while Jasper ran some kind of online business, which had been mentioned in Forbes.
"Seth Clearwater?" I answer making it sound more like a question than anything. Emmett looks a little lost for words as he stares at me, eyes wide and mouth agape. "Have you heard of him?" I sound lame even as I say it, my fingers running up and over his shoulder to find the damaged cartridge.
"Wait, you mean the Seth Clearwater? The number three draft recruit out of Cincinnati State? The same Clearwater that has the highest completion rate in the NFL even with being signed to one of the shittiest teams ever?"
"The Raiders aren't that bad, are they?" I knew my brother was having a hard time lately with receiving offers from other NFL teams but he had told me he felt like it would be betraying the guys if he left while they were down. Seth Clearwater had always been an advocate for the little guy.
"Oh you bet ya. He is single-handedly keeping that team viable. Without him the team would be a disgrace." Emmett's bubbly personality is back and I can't help but let some of it rub off on me.
In my endeavour to move back from finishing the inspection of his shoulder, I run my fingertips down his bicep and feel him shiver under my touch. His eyes are on me, the air in the room suddenly so thick, I'm not sure if either of us can breathe.
Instead of pulling away I find myself being entranced by Emmett, those gorgeous brown orbs holding me under a spell. His mouth is suddenly too close, his aftershave swirling on the tip of my tongue. I can't stand it and I need to get away from him as quickly as possible.
"Leah, wait," Emmett whispers as his hand reaches out and skims my waist and hips.
"We shouldn't be doing this, it's wrong," I whine feeling each stroke he makes. I love the way he makes me feel, so special, so loved. He touches me like Edward does and it feels more than wrong. It feels so fucking right.
"You want this Leah, I know you do," he murmurs as his hand comes up to touch my cheek.
"I do but-" he cuts me off before I can even swallow. His mouth presses over mine and while I feel shock, I close my eyes and groan.
He tastes of honey and tea as his tongue pushes into my mouth and rubs against mine. His mouth his warm and moist, his lips hungry and his tongue seeking. I'm not sure how long we kiss or how it even began but I find myself moved from the office chair and straddled over him, his hands gripping my hips so tightly I have to pull away to cry out.
He seems to notice my discomfort and slowly let's his fingers loosen while I catch my breath and stare at his chest. My legs are straddled over his lap and my skirt is riding up the length of my thighs, turning it from a very conservative skirt to what looks like a mini. It's tight and pulls the material to the point of almost ripping. Emmett doesn't seem to care about anything else but me as he inspects my face.
"That shouldn't have happened," I whisper, still perched on his lap, my knees folded and my hands pulling at his shirt.
"We both wanted it to," he replies like a whip, his hands moving to the outsides of my thighs.
"That doesn't make it alright Emmett. I'm a doctor, I'm also married. Happily married,"
"That doesn't make you any less a person though. I'm a man with a healthy appetite for sex; you're a hot as fuck woman who can quell that appetite. I don't really see the problem."
"The problem is that both of us are in serious relationships," I retort holding up my ring finger and showing him the platinum diamond band Edward had slipped on my finger the day I became his wife. Not to mention that we are both sleeping with men.
Shrugging his shoulders Emmett grabs for my hand and kisses the ring softly while keeping my gaze. "I respect your marriage Leah; I'm not looking to break you and Edward apart. I just want to sleep with you," he whispers huskily as his hand crawls over the top of my thigh and to the underside of my skirt, "I want to make you feel."
My back arches and my knees lock around his as he paws gently against the cotton of my underwear. I try to keep a straight face as he finds the edge of the material and slips inside, but my body tells another story. With eyelids full of lead I lean back in a silent plea for more.
"See, you do want this," he smirks as he applies teasing strokes to my slit, carefully avoiding my clit. I can't believe how excited this dangerous liaison is making me; I want to be embarrassed but the way he is moving is killing me. My breath is short waiting for him to make his next move and I lean forward to kiss him again. Before we can go any further a knock at the door startles me.
"Doctor Cullen," It's Tina and I know she is doing this for my own good, "You have a call on line two."
Glancing around the room it floods back to me like a punch to the gut.
"You alright?" he asks, shuffling forward to hold my lower back.
"I almost - we almost," I swallow loudly trying to hold back my horror. "I'm a doctor Emmett. I'm supposed to be your doctor," my voice is hoarse but I keep it together, "This can't happen again"
"But you want it to."
"I have to speak to my husband," I say scurrying off his lap and trying to fix my skirt and blouse.
"You're still coming to dinner right? Right Leah?"
"I'm not sure Emmett"
"Aww come on. Don't back out now, we were almost there," he smirks as he stands up a slips his arm back into the dark shirt. He's trying to be playful and I try not to smile at his forwardness. "So I'll see you at dinner?" Emmett whispers as he pulls my upper arms forward and places a kiss on my lips. It's chaste but says so much.
"I have to take this call," I apologize as I look away, "But I promise to come by later."
"You better," he smirks as his hand comes down hard and slaps my ass, "See ya doc," Emmett crows as he slips out the door and I reach for the handset.
"Hello,"
"Honey, how are you?" Edward's voice sounds in my ear with a soft hum. There's a strange comforting I get, like Edward knows exactly what I've been doing and that he approves.
"Fine, why are you calling, is something wrong?"
"No, no, everything's fine. I just wanted to know if you're free for lunch today. Say one o'clock?"
"Umm," I stall glancing at my watch, "Sure. Where?"
"Casa de panqueques?"
I smile at my husband's request as I gather up my bag, "Alright. I'll see you soon"
...
Parking the car I enter the building and find my husband in one of the booths.
His hair is in disarray as he sits against the red leather having shrugged off his coat. The light pink button up he wears clashes terribly with his skin tone and I smile thinking about Alice's reaction should she have caught him.
"Leah," he smiles brightly as he places the menu down and beckons me closer. He's already ordered himself an iced tea and large lemonade for me, knowing that I love their homemade lemon drink with the swirling pulp in the bottom.
"Edward," I grin, moving to ruffle his hair only to have my wrist and waist captured and be pulled into his lap.
His lips press desperately against mine as if the world is ending and he drapes my arm around his neck. I take the opportunity to run my fingernails against his scalp knowing he loves it when I'm a little rough.
Edward's always been an affectionately open man. It doesn't matter where we are; at the mall, at work, at his parents Lake house, it's all relative to him.
"Hey you," he whispers against my lips as he kisses me a little more and nibbles on my lower lip.
"Hi," I grin back like an idiot as I straighten Edward's glasses on his face. His eyes look greener when he wears them and it always makes me so smitten, knowing that he's all mine.
"How's your day been?" he asks but with him nuzzling my neck I struggle to reply.
"Terrible," I moan as he sucks at my throat and his fingers paint stars on my outer thigh over my skirt.
He chuckles as he pulls back, "Is it getting better now?"
"Of course," I whisper as I hold his face to mine and I press our foreheads together. I have missed Edward lately, even when he's home I miss him. My fingers love the feel of his skin and when we aren't close they ache for him.
"I got you a present. It's nothing too outlandish and I thought you might like something a little extravagant," Edward explains as he lifts me from his lap and grabs a purple gift bag from under the table.
"What is it?"
"Open it," he drawls as his lips brush my ear. Butterflies make hurricane like winds in my stomach as I slowly pull the soft lavender paper away.
As soon as I see the item I squeak and shove it back in the packaging.
Looking up at him my mouth flaps like a fish out of water. I'm not really sure if he is serious or not. "Where did you get this?"
Chuckling Edward takes a sip of his iced tea and wiggles his eyebrows, "Wouldn't you like to know"
"Jesus, is it even sanitary to wear something so small?" I whisper to myself as my fingers push around the material in the bag. Material, that's exactly what it is.
"You're going to look great in it. You should wear it to dinner tonight," he smirks as he tugs the bag away before I can scrutinise it more. I really want to pull it out of the bag to moan and list all the reasons why I shouldn't wear it and why it is as disturbing as I think it is. Growing up as a tomboy didn't prepare me for the complicated world of negligée. Heels I could do, Teddy's, slips and garter belts, I wasn't quite sure.
Wait, dinner?
As if hearing my thoughts Edward replies, "Jasper called from Sea-Tac to invite us over for dinner tonight. He's got some business proposals he's put together for me to look over, supposedly business is going good for him and he's interested in handling some money for us."
"If you're featured in Forbes Magazine then business is better than good honey," I laugh softly patting his cheek, "What kind of proposals is he drafting up?"
"Oh," Edward smiles as he readjusts the blue framed glasses on his face, "I was supposed to mention it to you the other morning. Jasper and I were talking, you know, the usual manly business chats we always have,"
"Right," I snort, rolling my eyes.
"Hey, we are plenty manly," my husband frowns, his brow creasing and his lip jutting out, "Anyway I wanted him to have a look into a succession plan of our investments, primarily the nest egg we have."
"Okay," I drawl, not really following, "so what exactly were you two planning?"
"Jasper and I were only throwing ideas around Leah," he says seriously, "nothing is final. But he has come up with a few strategies that he thinks will make us a lot more."
I nod as I sip my lemonade. I want to ask why Edward would jeopardise the savings we have. It's not like we need to be rash and jump into an unsteady investment boat. We both earn plenty as it is but Edward being the conservative type is always worried about the future.
Even though Carlisle and Esme had provided my husband entry into the best law schools in the country, that's all he took from them. While his parents paid for his tuition Edward got a job as a waiter at a small restaurant and paid his board with the money he earned. Of course Esme couldn't help herself and would send him care packages every now and then, sock and boxers featuring the most commonly.
"Okay. Well we can look at them and get back to him, right?"
"Yes, yes. That is the plan honey."
Picking up the menu I scour it for something that will hit the spot. Between the selections of pancakes, sandwiches and wraps I huff knowing that I will order what I always order. There is something wrong with me and the way once I have a favourite dish I never try anything different, so instead of ordering the chicken, I sit up straight and waive the waiter over.
"You're ready to order?"
"Yes, thank you. Could I get the strawberry pancakes, extra cream and hazelnuts," I smile at the young waiter as he scribbles down my order, his tongue peeking out between his lips as he concentrates.
While my husband orders I make sure to read his name tag, and thank Alec once he takes his leave toward the kitchen. He blushes furiously when I wink at him and almost trips as he walks around another table.
"Are you trying to kill the poor boy?" Edward chuckles as his fingertips graze my knee.
"No, I was just being friendly"
"Alright," my husband snorts, not believing a single word I say, "If it makes you sleep at night"
"It does," I smile back, poking my tongue at him, "Ass."
