Moving close, Kim said, "Girlfriend. I like that."
Jess closed the small distance between them. "Me too." She brushed her lips softly against Kim's, then stepped back before she gave in to temptation. Jess wondered if Kim had any idea the power she held over her. If she knew how much I lov — no. Jess cut the thought short; she wasn't ready to acknowledge that just yet.
Kim walked over to the couch and flopped down gracelessly. "We still have to deal with this crap until word spreads throughout the hospital."
"Well, we know the word is out in the ER." Jess joined Kim on the couch. "Heck, two of my residents are even sticking up for us." She nudged Kim in the side and smiled. "How I feel about you wouldn't change even if they weren't, but it's still nice."
"You're right. I just don't want you to get sick of dealing with this," Kim said. She met Jess's gaze.
Jess could see the worry and vulnerability in her eyes. "I won't." After finding out the full extent of Anna's mistreatment of Kim, anger and sorrow warred within Jess. She did not want Kim to ever feel like that again, not even for a moment. She tipped her head back and closed her eyes.
What else can I do?
Her eyes popped open. "Come on." Jess stood and held her hand out.
"Where are we going?" Kim asked even as she put her hand in Jess's.
"The cafeteria."
* * *
As they approached the entrance to the cafeteria, Kim's stomach fluttered. This was a big step for both of them. It was almost like coming out at work all over again. She glanced over at Jess. The resolved but calm look on her face helped Kim's nerves settle. This is what you wanted.
Jess pushed open the swinging door. "Ready?"
"You don't have a scalpel, do you?"
Laughing, they stepped into the cafeteria together.
Their entrance immediately attracted attention.
As they made their way through the food line, heads turned and people started to whisper.
Jess paid for their lunch. "Come on."
Kim's steps faltered for a moment when she realized where Jess planned for them to sit. The two-person tables in the back corner of the room were routinely used by couples seeking a little privacy.
"Are you sure about this?" Kim asked quietly.
"Yes." Jess's gaze and voice were rock-solid. She set the tray on the small table and sat down. She smiled at Kim as she joined her. "This should pretty much assure that word gets out to the greatest number of people."
You are amazing. Just when I think I have you figured out, you surprise the hell out of me. Kim shook her head.
"What?" Jess asked.
"You never cease to surprise me."
"That's a good thing... right?"
Kim gave Jess's arm a quick squeeze. "So far."
"Well, then let's see if I can keep my streak going."
Kim tensed. She had learned to be a little wary of just what Jess might do when that little half smirk appeared.
Jess laughed. "Gotcha."
Scowling, Kim looked around. As she suspected several people were staring.
A tug on her sleeve brought her attention back to Jess.
"Ignore them." Jess suddenly looked a little nervous. "I did have something I wanted to ask you." She cleared her throat. "Will you come with me to San Diego to meet Sam?"
You are just full of surprises today. "Sure. When?"
Jess fiddled with the tray. "Well, Christmas is on a Friday, and as you know I'm working. But I'm going to Sam's on Saturday. Come with me?"
Wow. Christmas? "Are you sure you want me to go then? I mean won't Sam mind me barging in on your Christmas celebration?"
"Heck, no. She's been pestering me to meet you." Jess clasped her hands together. "Unless you have other plans?"
Kim smiled. "You know I don't. I'd really like to meet Sam."
"Then it's settled."
As if on cue, Jess's pager shrilled. She glanced down at it. "Back to the trenches."
CHAPTER 29
JESS RESTED HER chin on Kim's shoulder. "It really is a beautiful tree."
"Yes, it is." Kim patted Jess's hand that was resting on her belly. I can't wait to see your face when you find your present from Santa under it.
After an early Christmas Eve dinner, they had retired to the couch to relax until Jess had to leave. Kim was on her side with Jess spooned behind her. A dancing fire provided the only illumination besides the tree.
Kim looked over at Thor. She could just make out his form in the darkened room. He was curled up in a tight ball on his bed. "Although I don't think Thor is very fond of it."
Thor's tail had hit a glass ornament earlier. It exploded with a resounding pop when it hit the wood floor.
"Are you sure he's okay?" Kim asked. Jess had checked him out to make sure he had not cut his tail or his pads. But he had not moved out of his bed since the ornament broke.
"He's fine." Jess lifted up. "Come here, you big baby."
Thor jumped up and charged across the room. He tried to push his way onto the couch in front of Kim, all the while licking any spot he could reach on both women.
Laughing, they tried to fend him off.
He scored a direct hit on Kim's lips.
"Blech." Kim pushed on his broad chest. "Thor, off."
He got off the couch but stood right in front of Kim, panting in her face, his tail wagging non-stop.
"Okay. I believe you," Kim said.
Jess laughed. "Thor, down."
He flopped down right next to the couch.
Kim leaned down and patted him.
Jess settled in place behind Kim again and sighed.
"What's wrong?" Kim asked.
"Wish I didn't have to work."
That makes two of us. But she was determined not to make this any harder on Jess than it had to be. Kim captured Jess's hand and hugged it to her chest. "We'll celebrate after."
Jess lifted up and placed a kiss on Kim's temple. "Are you sure you don't mind looking after Thor? I could probably still get him in at the kennel."
It was a big responsibility. Kim knew Jess had never left Thor with anyone except Sam or at the kennel. Although she felt up to the task, maybe Jess was still uncertain of leaving him with her for an extended period alone in her house.
"I'm more than happy to have his company. But if you'd feel better with him at the kennel —"
"No." Jess's arm tightened across Kim's belly, pulling her more snuggly against her. "I just didn't want you to feel obligated. He loves you and would be much happier here with you. And I'd feel better too, knowing both of you are here together."
"Good. I shouldn't be more than a couple of hours helping out Sid and Alan tonight. They really try hard to make Christmas special for the teens at the halfway house." Kim tugged Jess's hand up to her lips and placed a kiss on her palm. "Then Thor and I are going to hang out the rest of the time and wait for you to come home."
Home? The realization shocked Kim. There was no denying it. Yes. Home. Her heart stilled as she waited for Jess's reaction.
Seconds ticked by like minutes.
Jess touched Kim's chin and urged her to look back at her.
Kim met warm silvery-blue eyes, and her heart started to beat again.
"I'll be counting the hours until I can come home to you," Jess said.
I'll be waiting. Kim leaned in and kissed Jess's lips. Her heart was filled with love and hope for their future.
CHAPTER 30
AFTER SHIFTING THE bag in her arms to one side, Kim used her free hand to press the freight elevator button for the first floor. She had come into the hospital via the front entrance and ridden the main elevators to the second floor. That was the closest access point to the freight elevators.