Page 13 of When the Leaves Fall

LUCA

“ G od fucking damnit,” I hear his growly voice yell from down the hall. “Luca! Where the hell are ya?” My dad calls out to me.

Filled with dread and anxiety, I trudge down the hallway. He’s been in a mood a lot lately, and when he is, I’ve learned it’s best to stay out of the way. But sometimes, that can get me into more trouble.

“Yeah, Dad?” I ask when I enter his room. He’s sitting on the edge of his bed, his walker in front of him.

“Don’t you ‘yeah, Dad’ me,” he snaps. “I want my cigarettes. Get them for me.”

“You don’t have any anymore, Dad. Remember, the doctor and Mom agreed you need to quit.”

“Oh, fuck that,” he yells. “Get me my damn cigarettes.”

I panicked. I freaked the fuck out. Did I want to kiss Drew? Abso-freaking-lutely, I did. I do . But she’s the daughter of my patient. We’re in my workplace. She’s in a vulnerable state right now. It would be inappropriate on so many levels.

It takes everything I have not to march right back into that room and pull her into my arms. I can still smell the sweet scent of vanilla lingering on my scrubs from when we touched.

No. It would be a terrible idea. I could lose my job.

It’s best if we keep our distance. Keep it professional. I’m here to help Sandra, after all. I peek through the window of the room. It looks like Drew is sleeping, but I decide to give it a bit more time before heading back in to check on her mom…just to be sure.

T he next morning, I’m antsy for my shift to end. Drew’s still asleep on the couch. Sandra woke up a few times throughout the night, pulling at her tubes and IVs. The beeping didn’t seem to bother Drew much. Or she was good at pretending she was still asleep.

I need to get out of here before Drew wakes. To avoid any awkwardness, but mostly because I need to keep my distance.

I impatiently wait out by the nurse’s station, pretending that I’m recording my notes from my shift, even though I’ve already done that. When my replacement comes, I quickly give them the run-down in the hall before we pop into the room for the final checks.

I say goodbye to Sandra, who has been awake for about ten minutes, and grab my things.

The elevator is taking fucking forever, and as soon as it dings, I jump inside.

The doors are about to close when an arm shoots inside and stops them.

The doors bounce back open, and I look up to see Drew staring at me.

She doesn’t say a word. She just walks inside and stands next to me.

Shoulder to shoulder. She leans forward and pushes the “doors close” button, and we stand in silence as they do.

I’m about to break, not handling the silence, but it’s Drew who snaps first.

“You were seriously going to leave? Without saying a word. I’m guessing you weren’t making another coffee and bagel run, hmm?” She’s facing me now, her cheeks flushed.

“Drew,” I whisper.

“No, don’t do that. Don’t sugarcoat things. Just say it how it is,” she demands.

“I don’t know what you want me to say,” I shoot back. I remove my glasses to rub my eyes, inhaling a deep breath.

“The God damn truth, Luca. Don’t run away like a coward.”

“The truth is, I’ve wanted to taste your lips every God damn moment since I met you.

I struggle to control myself when I’m around you.

I want to hold you in my arms. To kiss your neck.

Your…” My eyes stray an d travel down her body and then back to her eyes.

I shove my hand through my hair. “Fuuucckkk, Drew.”

The elevator doors open, alerting us that we have reached the main floor, where I’m supposed to grab the shuttle to my car. We both stand there in silence and watch as the doors close again.

“Then why haven’t you?” she whispers so quietly, I’m not sure if that’s truly what she said or if it’s what I hoped she said.

“Your mom is my patient, Drew.” I rub the back of my neck.

“It would be unethical to…” My words trail off as I watch her bite her bottom lip slightly.

“Fuck it.” My arms are around her waist, pulling her in tight to me.

Our bodies flush. I can feel her heaving breasts against my chest. She’s shorter than me, so I tilt her chin so our eyes meet. She’s so fucking beautiful.

“Kiss me, Luca. Please.”