Finding Stone (The Stone Brothers Series) (Volume 1) (6 page)

"If that's all, I should get back to work," I say wanting out of here.

"Yes. Okay." He looks sad. I am so confused.

"Dr. Stone?"

"Yes," he says and meets my eye. I am frozen, pulled by a force that wants to cave into him.

"Thank you again."

"Don't thank me. I am grateful you're okay," he says with sincerity.

"Dr. Stone?"

"Yes?"

"Can I ask you two questions?" I am dying for answers.

"Depends." His voice is overly cautious.

"On?" I ask, getting tired of the run around.

"Just ask."

"Any word on the pregnant woman?" I ask this first because it's the easier of the questions.

"She went to labor and delivery. She's still in early stages. Dilated 3 last I heard." Interesting how Dr. Stone comes out of hiding when it's work related.

"Thank you. I will stop by and check on her later." He nods.

I decide to ask my second question. "Why are you mad at me because I took a risk today?" I look at him because I can see he knows where I am going with this question. I watch as he goes back into hiding. "You protected me with your body. Why? You took a risk by doing that. What's the difference?" I know whatever answer I get will probably not be one I am going to like.

"I did three tours in Iraq. I guess the job of service and protection never leaves us. I would have done it for anyone." I feel myself deflate at his words. I can't help it. I know he doesn't realize that I am feeling things for him. Obviously, he still thinks I am an immature child. I look down and give myself a few moments to plaster my confident smile on. I look up and simply say, "Thank you."

I get up to leave and suddenly I am pushed into the corner. His mouth crashes down on mine. His tongue parts my lips with an urgency I don't question. I just answer. I pour all my soul into this kiss, but he reminds me he is in command. He guides his tongue over my lips then nips at them. It's both painful and amazing. He places an arm at the small of my back and pulls me into him. I feel his erection grind against me. I can't see it but scrubs fabric leaves little barrier between us. I can feel that he wasn't lying when he said he was large. All of the sudden he breaks away. He whispers, "Keep the shirt, Molly."

A moan escapes my chest. I feel breathless and exposed. I'm hoping he kisses me again.

"I'm sorry Molly. This can't happen again," he says, still breathless.

"Why?" I ask annoyed and wanting to kick myself. I should walk away. Men on the fence never appealed to me.

"I don't want to complicate my work and professional life. I don't do relationships. I love my life the way it is."

Something about that last statement makes me think it's a lie. With nothing left to say, I walk towards the door when it opens forcefully.

"Noah?" I hear from the pretty, dark-eyed, blonde doctor standing in the doorway. She looks curious as if she is trying to ask a question without verbalizing it.

"Sarah..." He says irritated. All this mystery is solved in this moment. Shit! This is just my luck! I never even thought to question his relationship status. I feel like a damn mistress or something.

"I'm sorry, but your brother is looking for you and the nurse. I wanted to make sure you were okay," she says while going in for a hug. He looks awkward returning it. Serves the asshole right.

"Please tell my brother where we are." He says moving out of her embrace. She looks at me then slowly backs out of the room.

"Mol-" he opens his mouth, but I don't let him finish.

"Just don't. You are such a lying bastard. Remember, you ‘don't want to complicate your work and professional life.’ If it's not work related, don’t speak to me."

He nods but it's in a way that tells me he is ashamed of himself. He should be. The door opens and it's the good-looking guy from the bar. I thought he looked familiar. He looks like his asshole brother.

"Molly. Another shit day?" He smiles and I can't help it; I return his smile.

"Yeah, another shit day." I say deadpan.

"Okay, I need to ask you a few questions. I’ll be quick." He responds with understanding. So maybe it's just one Stone brother who is an ass.

"Can you give me any details on the shooter?" I shiver. Maddox sits down beside me. Everything that happened today comes crashing down on me. I try to keep the tears away, but fail. Maddox grabs my hand and wipes the tears from my cheek with his other.

"We can do this later if you need time." The softness in his voice calms me.

"I'd rather do it now." I cry out.

"Okay. Do you remember any details?" He asks cautiously, like he is afraid to have me crying again. I smile.

"Yes. He had piercing blue eyes. Not the beautiful kind the soulless kind. He had a swastika tattoo. Shaved head.

And the initials AB under it." Again, I shiver recalling the details.

"Thank you for the information. It matches the suspect we have in custody."

"You caught him already?" I am shocked, but very happy though.

" Yes, but Molly stay vigilant." He says matter of fact.

"Should I be worried?"

"Not right now, but you never know when gangs are involved. I just want you to stay safe." I feel better that this is more of a routine statement.

I watched her as she walks out. Every protective instinct I have comes to the forefront. I want to keep her close just to make sure she doesn't walk into a manhole. I know, though, that I can't be her protector. I can't be her anything.

"Yo, Noah," Maddox says while waving his hand in front of my face.

"What?" I ask, sullenly.

"I was saying she is going to need protection detail," he says in all seriousness.

"Why? I thought you caught the guys." I know I am giving away everything I feel about her right now.

"We did, but she is the only one who can ID the shooter. Gangs kill witnesses, and criminals walk." He sounds concerned.

"Fuck," is all I can say. Why her? She seems like a decent girl. I know she is easy to piss off. She has such vibrancy about her though, maybe that's the pull I feel. No matter what happens, she bounces back and loves life.

"What kind of detail will she have? She needs round the clock protection, transportation to and from work," I demand.

"Whoa... We can only do so much. Budget cuts and all. We will do drive-bys and check on her. We can't do around the clock. It's impossible," he protests.

Shit. He has to do something. I corner my brother. "Find a way to keep her safe. I will pay for the protection. I know cops are always looking for side jobs. Just do what you can to keep her safe. She's new here. She shouldn't die here." My voice sounds pained.

"Am I missing something?" He asks curiously.

"No." I say hoping it's enough to satisfy his inquiry.

"Hmm. Maybe I can start fucking her. I can keep her safe if I'm with her," he says pointedly.

I know he is calling my bluff but the thought of anyone else fucking her sets me off. I place my arm firmly over his chest. "Don't fucking touch her. Don't fucking talk about fucking her." I look him in the eyes and the asshole is smiling.

"Relax. I saw Sarah's expression when she left. I saw Molly's anger when I entered. You get caught with your hand inside the cookie jar?" He asks while laughing.

"Shit. Go I have work to do."

Walking to work a few days later, I feel paralyzed with fear. I hate feeling this way. I know the whole thing was random. I know that I wasn’t the target. I’ve been told they caught the shooter. I wish I had someone that I could talk to, someone who would understand how I am feeling. Calling my parents or Kelly is out of the question. They already worry enough with me being in a “big city” by myself. If they found out what happened, they would want me to move back home.

While making my rounds, I hear my name being called. "Hey Molly, can you help me in here?" I recognize him. I know his name now - it's Brayden. He saved me from the shark.

"Yes, what can I help you with?" I notice he is sitting next to a little girl who is about four.

"Princess Ellie here is afraid of this shot. I told her if she let me give it to her without moving, she would get a Popsicle. I need you to talk to her so I can give it to her." He winks and I know the moment she makes eye contact with me he is going to jab her.

"Well, Princess Ellie, I'm Molly. My favorite ones are the grape ones. Do you like grape?" I ask.

"No, I like the green ones," she replies. I make a yuck face and she giggles.

"In that case, if it's alright with your mommy, I can give you two." I look at her mom who nods and then she looks to her mom. I see Brayden squeeze her arm. He's good. Shot over with no crying.

"Did you see that mommy? I didn't cry." Her mom smiles, "Yes, baby. I am so proud of you."

"Well let me go get you your green popsicles." I run over to the freezer and return with the popsicles.

Afterwards, Brayden and I walk over to the nurse’s station together. "Thanks for your help in there. I had been sitting there with her for over ten minutes. She is a smart one and a talker,” he laughs.

"It's no problem. Just ask if you need anything else," I say.

"It's lunch time. You want to go have lunch?" He asks. I almost say no, but he is the only one who has spoken to me and shown any friendliness since I started here.

I agree and anyways, I'm starving. I haven't eaten much this week. The stress of the new job, the shooting, and Dr. Hotty Asshole has kept my stomach in knots.

Walking through the line, I decide to go with a chicken sandwich, a bag of chips and a diet Coke. I catch Brayden looking at me. He seems shy but I can tell he has something on his mind. Once we find a table, he starts talking.

“You doing okay? You know, after the shooting?” I want to scream and cry no, but I need this. He’s the first person to ask me how I’m doing.

“Yeah. I’m fine. It was scary. I am so happy they caught the guys.”

“Something tells me you aren’t fine. I am here to talk if you want.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it. More than you know.” I’m feeling emotional and don’t want to cry during our first lunch date. I decide to change the subject.

"Are you from around here?" That's a conversation starter right?

"Yep, born and raised on the Southside. I commute everyday from Oak Park," he says.

"Cool. I just moved here and decided on apartment around the corner." I tell him. Give and take right?

"Where are you from?"

"A very small town in Northeastern Kentucky. Population 1,596," I sigh, missing my hometown.

"WOW! That is small. What brought you here?"

"Well, Chicago is my five-year plan. I wanted a change. After high school, I did a missionary trip. While I was there, I realized Kentucky was all that I knew. I wanted the experience of city life. I plan to go back eventually. You know when it's time for kids, marriage, and all that. I’m sure Chicago is a fine place to raise kids, but I want my children to have what I had growing up."

"You have a boyfriend?"

"No. I don't think I can handle any more pressure right now. How about you? Do you have a girlfriend?"

"No," he sighs.

"What's the sigh about? You interested in someone?"

"I've been interested in someone for the last three years."

"And? Does she know?"

"Nope. Maybe she does. I don't know."

"Three years? Have you asked her out?”

"No."

"Why?" He seems so sad by all this.

"Well, look at me?"

I am looking and I see a good-looking guy. He is Asian. I'm not going to be rude and make an assumption about his ethnicity. No doubt about it though, he is hot.

"I am looking, and your point is?"

"She's white."

"Okay? What the hell does that matter?" I'm completely confused now.

"Look, you know the stereotypes: black guys have big dicks, Latinos make the best lovers, Filipinos are brainy with small penises," he says smiling.

I can't help it; I crack up. I love this guy. "Well are the stereotypes true?" I nudge his arm while laughing. “Hey, I'm nosey.”

"Whoa, whoa... of course not. I am talking The Hulk size," he is laughing and I know he is going to make a great friend. I can tell that I will be able to be myself around him.

"Seriously, then what's the hang up? Would your family be upset?" I ask curiously because I know some parents can be old school when it comes to stuff like this.

"My parents will be cool with whomever I date or marry."

"Okay. So why?"

"I've worked with her for three years. She has never given me the impression she was interested."

"Well, I'm certain if she is single, she'd probably date you. She would be stupid not to." He isn't overly tall, maybe 5'9, his build is hot as hell. I can see his arm muscles and broad shoulders.

"Would you? Not that I am asking but I think I need an ego boost.”

"Yeah. I can tell you what your problem is though. You immediately give off the friendship vibe, which is why I am sitting here with you. If you want a girl, don't go in being nice. Flirt. Us girls want nothing more than to feel wanted.”

"Interesting, twenty-seven years I've been put in the friend zone. Thanks." He gets up to empty our trays. Hot and chivalrous, yes, please.

"Hey. You wanna do lunch again tomorrow?" I ask because he's just what I need in my life. A hot male friend I can be myself around.

"I'd like that. Even if I'm not getting my girl, at least I have one hour to look forward to," he smiles.

"Hey, I'm going to Hansons tomorrow with some people I recently met. You're in that category now. I would love for you to come."

"Sure, I'll be there. What time?"

"9pm."

“Now that we are sort of friends. I mean, we are meeting up at a bar. Are you sure you’re okay with everything? I mean, with the shooting?

“I will be. It’s a lot to sort through. Its sucks what fear can do to a person.”

“That is a lot to process. I guess I’ve grown immune to violence. It’s Chicago and unfortunately, it’s a common thing. Maybe not to the extent you witnessed. I will never understand. I’m sorry you were there.” With that, I start bawling like a big baby. He wraps his arm around me. I know I shouldn’t use him as a fill in therapist. He’s all I have right now.

“Brayden, could I maybe call you? If I want to talk? It’s just I don’t have anyone here.”

“Well we are in the friends zone so of course.” He smiles.