Page 7 of Big Easy

SUTTON

The days following the charity event, I can't keep the smile off my face.

My thoughts keep drifting back to Jaxson and about how intense our connection had been.

The spark between us was palpable. And to top it all off, he is the President of the local MC.

It's not like I haven't heard of Hades Outlaw.

Anyone who lives in a one-hundred-mile radius knows who they are.

I've heard rumors about how dangerous the MC is, but I have also heard about how they give back and protect the community.

And even though I know how dangerous a man like Jaxson can be, I wasn't at all afraid of him.

In fact, I felt the complete opposite. Just being in his mere presence made me feel safe.

"I bet I know what has you walking around here today with that goofy smile on your face," Ada shares as she walks up behind me at the nurses' station where I am sitting in front of the computer.

"I don't have a goofy smile," I protest.

"Child." Ada places her hand on her hip and gives me a look. "You can't bullshit a bullshitter."

I laugh.

"Your good mood wouldn't have anything to do with that tall drink of water you were hanging out with at the charity event, would it?"

"Wait. How do you know about that?"

"I heard from Lenore, who heard from Helen, who heard from Evelyn, who said she saw you looking mighty cozy with Jaxson Carter."

I groan inwardly. Evelyn is an older nurse who works at the clinic with my dad. She's a busybody who knows everything that goes on in this town.

"How do you know Jaxson?" I ask.

"Jaxson has donated and been a part of the Fight Against Cancer charity event for years." Ada waves her hand at me. "But that's beside the point. What I want to know is how you know him."

I blush, thinking about how Jaxson and I met. "I don't really. We sort of ran into each other yesterday. Literally." I shrug. "After that, we hung out for a short time. He asked if he could take me out sometime."

"Evelyn also mentioned Jaxson looked completely smitten by you."

I giggle. "Ada, I don't think we can use the word smitten when describing Jaxson Carter."

"No, I suppose not," she chuckles.

A moment later, we are interrupted by someone clearing their throat. I look to my right to see Peter standing on the opposite side of the counter, holding a bouquet of flowers. I stand. "Hi, Peter. How are you? I was just about to check in on your father."

"I'm doing well. Here," he says and thrusts the flowers toward me. "I got these for you."

I take the bouquet. "Thank you, Peter. They are lovely."

"So, listen." Peter begins to fidget. "I wanted to ask if you would like to get dinner sometime?"

Wanting to let Peter down easy, I give him a warm smile. "I'm sorry, Peter, but I'm not allowed to date patients or their family members."

"Oh, well, sure. Yeah, okay," he stammers.

Once Peter walks off down the hall, I turn to find Ada shaking her head.

"What?" I ask. "I know I shouldn’t have lied like that, but I felt terrible.

It was easier than just telling him I'm not interested.

I didn't want to hurt his feelings. He asked me out the other day when I was leaving work too.

I even ran into him at the charity event and again at the grocery store last night. "

"Hmm," Ada hums. "I have a feeling that one will be persistent. He just better watch out for his competition."

"There is no competition. I agreed to one date with Jaxson. He’ll probably find me boring, and there won't be a second date."

"Now you're just talking nonsense, child. Go out with that man and just be yourself. You do that, and I guarantee there will be a second date. You're beautiful inside and out, Sutton. Jaxson can and will see that."

I blush at Ada's compliment. "Thanks, Ada."

The morning flies by, and before I know it, it is already time for my lunch break. I have spent the last thirty minutes in the supply room taking inventory, and as soon as I open the door, I run into Peter who is just standing there.

Once again I'm startled. "Peter!" For a long moment he doesn't say anything.

He just looks at me with a weird expression on his face, and his presence is suddenly making me feel uneasy.

I'm not liking the fact Peter continues popping up in the most random places.

First he keeps asking me out even though I have already turned him down, then he shows up at the charity event and the following day he approaches me at the grocery store. Now this.

"Seems we keep running into each other," Peter grins.

"Yeah." I give him a tight smile. "Is there something I can help you with, Peter?"

"I was just looking for the vending machine," he says.

"Oh. Well the vending machines are down the hall from the nurses’ station. I was heading that way now. I can show you if you like."

"That would be great, Sutton. Thank you."

As I am making my way up to the nurses' station Peter follows. "Here you go," I point to the small sitting area where several vending machines sit.

"Thank you, Sutton."

"You're welcome." I give Peter a nod and continue my way up to the nurses’ station where I hear Ada giggling like a schoolgirl.

A second later, I hear a familiar voice and sigh.

I should have known he would show up. I'm sure Evelyn was running her mouth at the clinic today.

When I turn the corner of the hall, my dad is standing there with Ada. "Dad, what are you doing here?"

"I'm trying to get Ada to run away with me."

Ada giggles again. "You're such a charmer, Doctor Murphy. You sure know how to make an old lady feel special. Even if you are full of it."

My dad clutches his chest. "You wound me, Ada."

Ada rolls her eyes. "Tell Eva I said hi and that I'll call her later with that recipe."

"Will do," Dad winks.

Ada then turns to me. "I'm off to make my rounds. You two have a good lunch."

Once Ada walks away, I look at my dad with a questioning look.

"What? I have the afternoon off and thought I'd come to see my daughter and take her to lunch."

"Fine. Let me grab my purse."

Dad ends up taking me to my favorite Mexican restaurant. It only takes him ten minutes into our meal before bringing up what I already knew was coming. "How was the charity event?" he asks just before taking a bite of food.

I shrug. "It was good. A lot of money was raised. All in all, it was a good event." I shove a chip into my mouth while purposely not giving any more.

"That's good." Dad is silent for a beat before going right for it. "Heard you caught Jaxson Carter's eye."

"We met," I supply, keeping my answer vague.

"And?" Dad gives me a pointed look, and I sigh.

"We hung out and talked. He later asked me out."

"Did you agree?"

I nod. "I did."

My dad wipes his hand with his napkin and rests his elbows on the table. "Do you know who Jaxson Carter is, Sutton?"

"Yes. I know about his club and who he is to the club."

"And you agreed to go on a date with him despite knowing he’s the President of Hades Outlaw?"

"Yes. Despite what you might think, Dad, I'm not na?ve.

I also said yes because he was nothing but nice and respectful to me.

I know what the people in this town say about Jaxson's club, but I'm not one to base my opinion of someone off of gossip.

So, you can sit here and warn me about him all you want, but I am still going to see him again.

" I look my dad in the eyes and wait for his response.

"You're right. You should never listen to gossip. I just worry about you, is all. I don't want you getting mixed up with the wrong person. And though Jaxson Carter appears to be a good man, his club is dangerous."

"I know you worry about me, and I love you for that." I smile.

After lunch, Dad drops me back off at work.

The afternoon passes quickly, and before I know it, it's time to go home.

But before I leave, I decide to check on Mr. Sanders one last time.

Today has been a good day for him. He has been coherent, and he is taking well to the pain management we have set up for him.

When I come upon his room, the door is slightly ajar, and I can hear two voices.

"Son, promise me you will be good. You can't pull any more stunts like you have in the past. We had to move away last time. I won't be here to bail you out of trouble."

"I'm not going to do anything, Dad." Peter snaps at his father in a harsh tone. "Those incidents were just misunderstandings."

"Son, I think you should consider getting some help. Please, for my own peace of mind."

Help? I wonder what he means.

"Just stop!" This time Peter shouts at his father. He clearly sounds agitated.

"You always treated me like something was wrong with me, like I needed to be fixed."

Feeling guilty for eavesdropping on their private conversation, I make my presence known by knocking on the door. "Hi, Mr. Sanders." I walk into the room to see Mr. Sanders lying in bed, looking frail and exhausted. He offers a small smile anyway. "Hello, young lady."

I give him a warm smile in return and look at his son, standing on the opposite side of the bed wearing a blank expression. Ignoring his weird behavior and the conversation I overheard, I say, "I was just about to leave for the day and wanted to stop by and check on you before I go."

"Oh, I'm doing just fine. I was just about to catch a nap," Mr. Sanders says.

"Alright, then. I'll see you later then." I give Mr. Sanders a pat on his arm.

As I make my way back up to the nurses' station, I catch Caroline, one of the night nurses walking in. "Hi, Caroline."

"Hey, Sutton. How's it going?"

"Today was a good day. I left a few notes for you over at the computer. Martha called and said she'd be running about twenty minutes late, so Ada agreed to stay on until she gets here."

"Thanks, Sutton. I'll catch you later."

I sling my purse over my shoulder and wave to her on my way out. "Bye."

Just as I am walking out the front entrance, I hear my name being called out. Peering over my shoulder, I see Peter jogging up behind me and I sigh. What is with this guy? When he stops in front of me, he's breathing heavily, and beads of sweat are running down his temple.

"Peter. Is everything alright? Is it your dad?" I go to walk back inside.

"No, no," he assures me. "Dad is fine. He's resting."

I relax. "Oh, okay. Well, what can I help you with?"

"I was just about to grab a coffee at the cafe down the street. Would you like to join me?"

Really? This is getting ridiculous. I thought I made things clear earlier today.

"Peter, like I told you this morning, I'm sorry, but I can't go out with you. Look, you're a nice guy, and I appreciate the flowers, but I'm just not interested in you like that. I'm sorry."

Peter's easy-going smile drops as he takes a step further into my space. Suddenly feeling uncomfortable, I instinctively take a step back.

"It's just coffee, Sutton. Come on, I've noticed the way you have been smiling at me. Your co-workers and boss don't have to know."

Confused, I shake my head. "I am only trying to be friendly and supportive, Peter.

I apologize if I have given you the wrong impression.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I really must go.

" I try to step around Peter, but my movements are halted by him grabbing my arm, his grip causing me to wince.

But before I have a chance to do anything, Ada calls out, "Is everything alright out here, Sutton? "

Peter suddenly lets go of my arm, and I distance myself from him. He mutters a quick apology, then turns away, making a hasty retreat in the direction of his car.

"Sutton, what was that all about?" Ada asks with worry as we both watch Peter peel out of the parking lot.

"I don't know." I blow out a breath. "He asked me out again, and he didn't like my answer." I rub at the spot on my arm where the creep grabbed me.

“That boy likes you a little bit too much. Are you sure you’re okay?"

"I'm sure. Thanks for coming out when you did, Ada."

"No problem. Now, you go home and get ready for that date with that fine man. I'll be expecting a report Monday."

I'm still shocked Jaxson called me just an hour ago wanting to see me tonight. My tummy flutters with excitement. I laugh. "Will do. Bye, Ada."

Turning, Ada makes her way back inside, and I continue on to my car.

Just as I am about to climb in, the roar of a motorcycle catches my attention.

Looking to my right, I catch sight of Jaxson rolling onto the lot.

My tummy does somersaults when he stops his bike beside my car and cuts the engine.

Pushing his aviators up to the top of his head, Jaxson's grey eyes lock on mine, and he smiles.

"What are you doing here? I thought we were meeting later?"

"Later wasn't cuttin' it for me. I wanted to see you now."

"Oh." I blush. "I still need to go home and change."

"You look perfect like that, babe."

My face heats even more at Jaxson's compliment.

"Lock up your car and climb on," he orders.

"You're serious? You want to take me out now? Looking like this? I’m in my scrubs."

"Like I said. You look perfect. Now, climb on."

After locking my car, Jaxson takes my purse and stows it in the saddlebag attached to the side of his bike, then holds his hand out for me to take.

The moment my hand touches his, my skin prickles, and my heart rate picks up.

And when I feel Jaxson press his thumb against the pulse in my wrist, I know he can feel the effect he is having on me.

By the heated look in his eyes, I'd say he likes it.