Chapter Nine
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Propped up on an elbow, he watched her sleep, completely entranced by the rhythm of her breathing. He was worn out by their lovemaking, but found he was not ready to sleep. She had brought him to ecstasy several times before she slipped off into an exhausted sleep.
He traced a gentle finger along the length of her arm and marveled how she responded to just the slightest feel of his touch. He wondered if she was aware she had yelled out in the heat of passion that she loved him? He couldn't remember the last time he heard those words from anyone other than family. Without intent or even realizing she had done it, she had wrapped herself around his soul and he was fairly sure he would not be the same without her.
Feeling as if she was being watched, even through the veil of sleep, Michelle's eyes fluttered open and locked onto the rich chocolate eyes of her lover. "Can't sleep, baby?" she asked sleepily and touched a hand to his cheek.
"No, I'd much rather watch while you sleep," he answered; leaning over, he kissed the tip of her nose.
"Watch me drool, is more like it," she quipped. "C'mere, you!" She wrapped her arms around him as he snuggled against her, pillowing his head on her ample breast. "Sleep, Nicky. You don't have tomorrow off."
"So I'll call in exhausted," he said with a chuckle.
"Stop. Sleep. I promise, if you're a good boy, I'll take you home to change and then drive you to work in the morning."
He sighed and closed his eyes, relaxing to the beat of her heart. "My own personal chauffer."
"Don't get used to it, buddy. We need to get you a car."
"Mmmm..." he mumbled, drifting off.
Michelle listened to his deep breathing for a while, he was finally asleep. Stroking his hair softly, she whispered, "Don't hurt me Doc, because, God help me, I really have fallen in love with you."
Nick stirred in his sleep and murmured something unintelligible. Michelle hugged him softly and drifted back to sleep, her greatest gift held tenderly in her arms.
***
Even though he was tempted to call in the next morning, he grudgingly got up when Michelle forced him to do so. Good to her word, she had driven him to his apartment to shower and change and then it was off to the Medical Center. After hopping out of the car, he moved around to the driver's side and leaned in the window.
"Whatcha grinnin' at, Doc?" Michelle asked, smiling herself.
"Your hair's still wet," he commented and tweaked a lock that hung in damp ringlets about her shoulders.
"Sure is," she grinned back. "You're pretty damn good in the shower, Doc."
"I aim to please, M'Lady." He kissed her briefly, knowing if he lingered he'd want to jump back into the car. "Thanks for the lift."
"Anytime, Nicky."
He backed away from the car with a wave and headed toward the building, abruptly running into Norman. Norman briefly acknowledged Nick and ran past him yelling for Michelle before she drove off.
"Jeez, Normy, have a cow why don'tcha?" Michelle joked. "What's up?"
Norman laughed and leaned down to talk to her. "Shel, listen...I'm begging you now. Drs. Jordan, Roback and Collette, Maria and myself...we need ya, Shel. Please? Just this one time? I won't ask again...and it's for a worthy cause."
"Damn, Norman. You just won't take no for an answer. What're you playing for?" she asked, almost ready to agree.
"Shelley, what do they need you for?" Nick asked from behind Norman.
Neither noticed that Nick had followed Norman, who jumped at the sound of Nick's voice and bumped his head on the doorframe. "Umph!"
She sighed. "Norman is looking for someone to sing in his little group."
Norman stood to his full height and acknowledged Nick. "Shel, it's for the American Heart Association. Letty's chairing this fundraiser, and we're putting on a dinner concert to raise money. $1000 a plate function. There are a couple big name performers, but there's room to fill."
"It's a worthy cause, Shel," Nick commented.
"Oh...you too?" She sighed and thumped the steering wheel. "Let me think about it. It's been a long time since I've performed."
"Okay, Shel," Norman replied, backing away. "I need to know by tomorrow. If you won't do it, we have to find someone or back out completely." He waved a goodbye as Nick sank down on his haunches to talk to Michelle. He passed Drs. Brennan and Collette on his way back in.
Michelle leaned back in the seat before looking over at him. "You're going to bug me until I give in aren't you?"
Nick chuckled and patted her arm. "More than likely. Why don't you save me the trouble?"
"Very well, Nicholas. You'll pay for this, you know," she winked playfully at him. "Do me a favor and tell Norman I'll join up...just this one time."
Nick nodded and rose up enough to duck inside the car and kiss her deeply. "See you tonight?"
"Count on it," she replied easily, stroking his cheek lightly.
"Good. I'll call you later." He smiled warmly and headed into the hospital.
When he approached Reception, he spied Rae and Jackie talking to Norman. Jackie winked playfully and grinned. Rae stared as if he had grown an extra head. He shrugged them both off and called, "Norman. Shel said to tell you yes."
"Oh wow, thank you Dr. Kokoris! I'll let Letty know. This is fantastic!"
"Um...Norman...have you ever heard her sing?" Jackie asked curiously.
Nick watched with amusement when Norman stuttered. "N-no, why?"
"Well, Norman," Rae interjected, "she may not be what the group is looking for."
"Uh..."
Nick smiled and patted Norman on the back. "Why don't you ask her to put on a small showing for everyone? That way, the whole group could observe and if you don't like what you hear, you still have time to find someone else."
"You think she'd go for that without being offended?"
Nick nodded. "Sure, why not?" he commented as he walked toward the elevator.
"Doctor Kokoris!" Norman called.
Nick turned to face the small group. "Yes?" he answered, stepping back to join them.
"Listen. You and Shel are...well, maybe she'd be more so inclined if you asked? After all...she only agreed after you joined the conversation," Norman reasoned.
Nick heard an audible huff from Rae and wondered if this situation would ever get easier between them. He shrugged off that thought and turned his attention back to the receptionist. "Norman, you've known her longer than I have."
"Please?"
"Very well, I'll get back to you." He really didn't mind asking, and it didn't hurt that he also wanted to see Michelle perform.
***