Chapter 9
Hand Holding And Nose Brushing

Doctor's dining room in 5? -Edward

I grinned at the sticky note. I hadn't heard from Edward since our lunch together on Saturday. We really hadn't had any way of contacting each other. I hoped everything was alright with his grandfather. He'd looked so stricken when he'd gotten the news.

"Hey, Lauren. I'm going to take lunch. I'll see you in a bit." Lauren was tall and blonde, but surprisingly nice. You'd think she'd have a mean streak with such killer looks, but like they say looks can be deceiving.

I weaved my way through the hospital to the doctor's room on the first floor.

The doctor's here had it good. They had a specialized dining room with fancy tables and flat screens. And to top it all off, the food was free and much better than the nasty stuff they served in the cafeteria to the general public.

Of course, as a nurse that dining room was off limits.

I saw Edward, standing outside the glass dining room doors, before he saw me. I admired his attractive profile with his crazy hair and toned body, visible even through his scrubs.

Edward turned around just as I reached him and his face broke out into a beautiful smile.

"I was starting to get worried that you were going to stand me up," he teased, opening the door to the dining room.

"I may have taken the long way to get here," I admitted. Of course, I would never reveal the real reason I took the long way.

"Ah ha! So that's why it took so long," he chuckled. "You just wanted to make me sweat."

"It's possible," I smirked.

"Well don't make me sweat anymore or I'll gross out all the patients and scare them away. Then we'll both be out of jobs."

"Sounds like a good idea. I promise not to make you sweat."

"Pinky promise?" Edward held up his hand and cocked his eyebrow. "It's not official, unless it's a pinky promise," he pressed.

"Pinky promise." I entwined my pinky with his and even that small amount of contact made my stomach do backflips.

"Are nurses even allowed in here?" I asked, once we'd chosen a table. Edward had placed his lab coat on the back of the chair effectively 'saving it' even though the room was surprisingly empty. I guess it was rather early for lunch.

"Who cares? You're with me, and I'm a doctor so I say you can be in here. And I doubt anyone will even notice." He shrugged.

His words put me at ease. As long as he seemed unconcerned I decided I shouldn't let it bother me.

Fancy red table cloths, real silverware, two flat screens on each wall. It really was nice. Damn, I almost wished I'd gone to medical school.

I felt Edward's gaze and I turned to find him staring intently at me as we headed towards the counter to order our food.

"What?" I raised my eyebrow.

"I like you, Bella," he said, simply.

I started in surprise searching his emerald eyes for any sign of teasing, but he was being honest. I guess I really shouldn't have been shocked. He had kissed me on Saturday.

I blushed, feeling the heat crawling from neck to my cheeks. I busied my hands by fiddling with the hem of top.

"I think you're gorgeous and that's why I was staring," Edward continued.

"Oh." It was the only response I could think of. There was a lot more I wanted to say, like I like you too or I think you look absolutely fuckable in scrubs, but Edward's words had caused my whole body to heat up and apparently my brain was now past producing coherent thoughts.

I met his eyes and smiled instead. I thought he saw that I felt the same way too, but I couldn't be sure. I reached for his hand and intertwined our fingers, giving his palm a squeeze. I wished I could say it, but my brain still wasn't reeling.

He smiled at my gesture, so I figured it was alright.

"Oh, before I forget, what's your cell phone number?" he said, using his free hand to pull out his cell.

"Oh, I keep forgetting that you don't have it. Can you send me a text so that I'll have yours too?" I laughed, pulling my phone from my pocket.

We finally exchanged numbers. A small grin filled my face as I hit save on Edward's contact information. Now I would be able to text or call him. It had nearly killed me over the weekend, not knowing if he was alright.

"Would you like to accompany me to the gym after work for a swim?" Edward asked, pulling me from my thoughts.

I frowned. The thought of Edward being wet in a swimsuit again was tempting, but Saturday had been the first day that I'd even been swimming in over two years.

"Just a few laps, nothing really intense..." he added, seeing my expression no doubt. He rubbed circles on the back of my hand, which made my insides tingle.

"Um," I said, biting my lip. "Okay," I agreed, surprising myself. Was there anything I wouldn't do for this man standing in front of me? Apparently not, because I had just agreed to go for my second swim in less than a week.

"Excellent, let's grab some food."

The food was fantastic. I had a burger and some chips. I'd been a little wary at first, but Edward had assured me it was alright. He'd pointed out all the good options and I'd chosen within those limits. I was always concerned with the very real possibility of mystery meat.

We left our plates on the table and made our way towards the entrance. It was time for both of us to get back to work.

"Thank you for inviting me. I can now say that I have been able to experience what it feels like to be a doctor," I laughed. Edward chuckled with me and stopped before the door.

"You're welcome," he grinned. Edward was standing very close to me, his manly scent filled my nose and I could feel the warmth radiating off of him.

Edward turned so he was directly in front of me and lifted his hand to cup my cheek. He leaned forward to press his sultry lips to mine for the third time.

I let out a small moan.

Kissing Edward was like nothing else. It was nothing like any of the other kisses I'd had over the last few years. The rest had been boys and Edward was pure man. His lips moved firmly against mine and his tongue danced across my lips seeking entrance. I wove my fingers into his soft hair and opened my mouth for him. His hands dropped to encircle my waist bringing me flush against him. His tongue stroked mine.

It was heavenly.

When he finally pulled away, my cheeks were flushed and I felt slightly dizzy from lack of oxygen. We were both out of breath.

Edward rested his forehead and brushed his nose against mine.

"I really like you." He said again, his nose brushing back and forth.

"I like you too," I whispered.

My goodness Dr. Cullen, you really know how to kiss a woman don't you?

I hope everyone had a fantastic Valentine's day, I sure know I did! ;)

Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please review to tell me what you think. I'm feeling some sexy times are coming very soon...so keep a look out for my next update!

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And don't forget to check out my other stories Leaving the Past Behind which gets updated every Saturday and The Perfect Addition which is every Wednesday!

Ttfn!
Marie