When Love Calls Read Online Free PDF Page B

completely on him being on my “do me” list.
    As I stepped back and closed the door, I glanced at the wall clock; it was only 9:45. This wasn’t how I’d planned on spending the remainder of my evening, but oh well. Since the night was still young, I headed to the kitchen to grab a bottle of Merlot. I popped the cork and headed for the stairs, glass in hand. I poured a glass, set the bottle on the nightstand and took a long swig before I sat down on the bed. I guess it’s just me and you tonight. I said into my glass. I took another large gulp and contemplated breaking out one of my old friends from the closet but opted to see what was on the TV instead. I never actually watched television, it always served as background noise but tonight I thought I’d give it a try. I needed something to keep me from thinking about the mind-numbing sex I’d just had with a man I might potentially have to push out of my mind.  He’d made me feel things I knew I wouldn’t soon forget, things I didn’t even know I wanted. Who knew I liked a little pain with my pleasure? But that could all end up being irrelevant if I didn’t hear from Mike again. I wasn’t into chasing men down. If he wanted me, he knew where to find me.
     
    *****
     
     
    I’d already started my Thursday morning rounds when Angie met me in the hall. “We’re all going to Thirsty Thursday’s at the O’Brien’s tonight. You coming?”
    “Yeah, I’ll be there. Save me a seat.” I said over my shoulder as I headed toward the recovery room of my next patient. I was a surgeon. A damned good one. I came in every day determined to make a difference and to do my absolute best to save the lives of as many children as I could. I was driven, and every move I made at work was with intent and purpose. To be honest, it was the looming sadness that drove me. I pressed a bit harder each day, in the hope that it would one day fill the emptiness that remained from the loss of my sister. Some days I felt like I would never reach the place of fulfillment I was desperately seeking and that scared the shit out of me. Focus Erin. I headed into the room of my next patient and briefed the parents like always. That was me, always going through the motions. Making sure the routine was intact. In the past, I’d been able to resist the feeling that things had become stale and stagnant, but the past couple of weeks had me thinking otherwise. I’m definitely ready to shake things up.
    I left work with the intention of wedging Thirsty Thursday between Confusing Wednesday and Hopeful Friday. Friday was my date with Josh, and since I was planning to start things in my life anew anyway, I figured the sooner, the better. If I didn’t hear from Mike in the next couple of days, it would be full steam ahead with Josh.
    I beat Angie, and the girls to O’Brian’s so I figured I’d warm the bar up a bit. “Two shots please and hold one on reserve.” I slapped ten bucks down on the bar and watched the people in the bar while I waited. Strictly for shits and giggles I put my hand on the bartender’s as he reached for the bill on the counter. “What’s your name?”
    “My name is Chris and yours?” He slid his hand and the ten from my grasp.
    “I’m Erin. I just thought we should have a proper introduction since you’ll be spending a good bit of time with me tonight.” I flashed him a flirty grin. No doubt one he’d seen plenty of times before on other women’s faces. He was polite and reciprocated with a wink as he slid two shot glasses in front of me and poured two shots. I downed the first one before Chris even walked away. He cocked his head and gave me an eyebrow raise before heading to the other end of the bar.
    I took the second shot down and felt it burn its way to my stomach. I caught Chris’s attention and threw up a finger. “Are we meeting again so soon Erin? Let me get you a water and a menu to go with your shots.” His look of uncertainty let me know he thought I