When the doors opened and revealed an empty ER hallway, she sighed in relief. She gave herself a pep talk as she used the back hallways to make her way toward Jess's office. It's Christmas morning. Jess will be glad to see you. She didn't want to leave yesterday afternoon.
Nervousness made her stomach jittery. This had seemed like a much better idea when she was making breakfast for Jess. Kim had never come into the ER while Jess was working when she was not on call herself.
The door to Jess's office was unlocked. She quietly opened the door and smiled at the sight that met her eyes.
The light spilling in from the hallway showed a blanket-draped Jess, curled up on her side, asleep on the couch. Her long legs were pulled up almost to her chest to fit in the small space.
Kim stepped inside and eased the door shut. She stood still for a few moments until her eyes adjusted to the dim room. A nightlight near the couch provided the only illumination. Once sure that she wouldn't run into anything, Kim walked over and set the bag with breakfast on Jess's desk.
She made her way over to the couch and gazed down into Jess's face. Kim extended her hand to touch Jess, then thought better of it. She squatted down next to the couch. "Jess."
Jess's eyes flickered, but she didn't waken.
"Jess," Kim said, a little louder. "Time to wake up."
When Jess's eyes fluttered open, Kim couldn't resist the urge to touch any longer. She stroked Jess's arm through the blanket.
"Good morning."
A pleasure-filled smile blossomed on Jess's face. "Hi. What time is it?"
"A little after seven," Kim said.
Jess untangled herself from the blanket and sat up. She reached out a hand and tugged Kim onto the couch with her and into her arms.
Kim sighed into the warm embrace. "Merry Christmas, Jess."
Pulling back a little, Jess met Kim's gaze. "Merry Christmas to you," she said and then kissed her.
When the kiss broke, Kim snuggled against Jess. This was a good idea. A very good idea.
The rumble of Jess's stomach broke the quiet moment.
Jess pulled back and rubbed her belly. "Sorry. We were swamped last night. By the time we got everything cleared out, it was almost three a.m. and the cafeteria was closed. It's not much, but could I interest you in Christmas breakfast in the cafeteria?"
Kim smiled and ran her fingers through Jess's sleep-disheveled hair. "I have a better idea."
Jess sighed and leaned into the touch. "What?"
"Look on your desk."
Tilting her head, Jess peered at Kim and then over at her desk. "You brought me something?"
You sound so surprised. I need to start doing more little things for you to make you feel cared for. "I sure did."
"Thank you." Jess untangled herself from Kim and headed for her desk. She took a detour and turned on the overhead lights.
They blinked in the sudden brightness.
Pulling open the bag, Jess inhaled the escaping aromas. Her stomach growled louder than before.
Kim moved over to the desk and tugged the bag toward herself. "One official Christmas breakfast coming up."
* * *
Jess set their empty plates on her desk and then returned to the couch. She sat down close enough to Kim that their thighs brushed. She patted her stomach and sighed. "That was wonderful. Thank you again."
It was wonderful that you let me take care of you for a change without protest. Kim stroked Jess's thigh. "I'm glad you liked it."
The office door flew open.
Fuck. No. Kim jerked her hand off Jess's leg.
Rodman barged into the room.
He stared at them for a moment, then sneered. "Well, isn't this cozy."
Kim resisted the urge to move away from Jess. We aren't doing anything wrong. Clasping her hands in her lap, she projected a calm demeanor, as if it was a normal thing for Rodman to find them together.
Jess took her time standing. "What can I do for you?" she asked, her voice totally devoid of the warmth present just moments before.
"My sister is bringing my niece in. She's got a hot appendix. Make sure she gets taken care of as soon as she arrives. Don't do anything except get her checked in and her paperwork done." Rodman pointed a finger at Jess. "And keep your residents away from her. I'm going up to alert the OR. I'll be back down to get consent." After one last withering look, he spun on his heel and headed for the door. He stopped short and turned back. "Have her ready to go to the OR by the time I get back."
The door slammed shut behind him with a resounding boom.
The sound brought Kim off the couch like a shot. Dread settled like a lead weight in her stomach. People knowing that they were dating was one thing, but having Rodman find them together in Jess's office when Kim wasn't working was quite another. So much for my discreet visit to the ER.
Kim chanced a glance at Jess and winced. Jess's hands were clenched at her sides, and Kim swore she could hear Jess's teeth grinding together. Damn it.
"I should go," Kim said. She couldn't keep the sadness out of her voice. That's the end of what was a great first Christmas morning together. It was nice while it lasted.
Jess turned and faced her. The warmth rapidly returned to Jess's eyes. "No. Stay. I'll be back as soon as I take care of this."
"But Rodman..."
"Rodman can shove it. We weren't doing anything wrong." Jess stepped close and wrapped her arms around Kim. She brought their lips together in a sweet, gentle kiss. When the kiss broke, she stroked Kim's cheek. "Wait for me."
* * *
Scanning the intake sheet, Jess made her way to the exam room. She didn't care what Rodman said. He might be Chief of Staff, but his niece was on her turf now. There was no way she was going to send anyone to the OR without, at a minimum, a complete history and physical. Anything less was substandard patient care, and she would not be part of that.
Jess entered the room and did a double take. Did I get the room number wrong?
A young Asian woman was lying on the gurney. An impeccably dressed, white-haired Caucasian woman stood next to her, holding her hand. She looked old enough to be Rodman's mother.
Jess moved next to the gurney. "Beatrice Hartford?"
The young woman nodded.
Beatrice looked younger than her listed age of twenty-two.
"I'm Dr. McKenna. I'll be taking care of you this morning." She met the older woman's gaze. "Mrs. Hartford?"
"Eleanor Hartford," she said with an unexpectedly strong New England accent. She politely offered her hand to Jess across the gurney. "I am Beatrice's mother." When Jess took her hand, Mrs. Hartford clasped Jess's hand in both of hers. "Thank you for seeing to Beatrice so promptly. I've been terribly worried."
What a pleasant surprise. Jess had been bracing herself for the female version of Rodman.
Beatrice cried out and clutched her abdomen.
Jess placed a gentle hand on Beatrice's shoulder. "Is the pain getting worse?"
Beatrice nodded.
"How long has this been going on?" Jess asked.
Beatrice glanced at her mother, then back at Jess. "Off and on for a couple of days... I guess."
"Have you had a fever? Or any nausea or vomiting?"
She darted a look at her mother before answering. "I've been sick to my stomach and stuff..."
Jess frowned. Does she not want her mother in the room? Before Jess could suggest Mrs. Hartford step out, Beatrice cried out again.
"Can you show me where the pain is?" Jess asked.
Beatrice rubbed her hand in a circular motion over her lower abdomen.
"Okay. Let me take a look." Jess pulled the sheet back. She reached for Beatrice's gown.
The exam room door banged open.
Rodman stomped into the room. He took a white-knuckled grip on the end of the gurney. "What the hell are you doing?"