Beautifully Awake by Riley Mackenzie Read Free Book Online Page A

room with another pair of scrubs in hand.
    “There you are, here, go change before he goes postal on my ass.”
    “Thanks.” I needed a pause. A big one. In record time I made it to the locker room, changed into the new pair of scrubs and splashed cold water on my face, hoping to refocus. Did he say he was going to feed me? I pulled out my phone. Sierra was good at distraction, and I knew there would be a text waiting.
    So rumors were right huh?
    He’s a dick.
    A dick, yes. A jumpstart to my libido, yes. Together not a good combination. I silenced my ringer, dropped my cell back in my pocket and headed toward the OR. Staring down the empty long hallway I wondered what the hell I was doing on about a million different levels.
    Guy rounded the corner and jogged toward me, interrupting the tailspin going on in my head. “I needed to see it for myself. Sam wasn’t lying when he said they were shit brown.” He laughed. “I would have paid to see you in there. I’m jealous of Jackson.” He bumped my hip, but this time I was ready for him. Also helped that I was in flats. Holy hell. Fuchsia ballet flats with shit brown scrubs ... just lovely. It just kept getting better.
    “Oh shut it, Guy, not helping!”
    He chuckled. “You always look great, show them who’s boss, remember our deal ... just no puking or passing out.” He placed the bouffant blue hat on my head, securing my hair inside. He really was so sweet.
    “Thanks, Guy.”
    “Now go before he gives you shit for being late, seems something crawled up his ass and died today.” He pushed me toward the door. “Wait, Lil, your mask.”
    I so didn’t belong here.
    “Don’t give me that look. Turn around.” He tied my mask at the top of my head and at the base of my neck.
    “I can’t breathe.”
    “Yes you can, pinch the mask at your nose, go get ‘em, doll!” He slapped my ass and pushed me through the swinging doors. It was too late to protest. I was staring at a sea of blue, and I was the only one looking like shit.
    A fter the case, Chase followed me into the little scrub sink room, tore his mask from his face and ripped his cap from his head. “Lili, go change and meet me in the lobby. And don’t get lost in the recovery room.”
    Really. After seven hours of pure adrenaline, I was exhausted and just wanted to go home. “Um, okay.”
    “And don’t worry about Mrs. Peterson. I have her heavily sedated for tonight, you can see her in the morning.”
    How did he know that’s where I was headed?
    Jackson popped his head into the tiny room. “Kiddo, you rocked it! You were a pro, you totally kept her calm.” He squeezed my arm.
    “Thanks, Jack, appreciate it. The talking definitely lowered both our anxiety levels.” I smiled, remembering our conversation. Kelly relived their last beach vacation and gushed about how adorable her toddler twins were splashing in the water and playing in the sand. A memory I could only wish for.
    “Totally.” Jack smiled and looked over at Chase. “Brilliant, man, sick job in there, great call having Lili sit for the case.”
    Chase half smiled. At least he took a compliment gracefully.
    “Lil, I’ll catch you later, I’m gonna take her to the recovery room and write her orders.”
    “Jack, I’ll take her down to recovery, you just write her orders. Don’t be cheap with the pain meds either, I want her comfortable.”
    Jackson looked confused; maybe attendings didn’t usually roll the patient to recovery. What did I know?
    “Lili, I’m going to get her situated and find her husband. Meet me in the lobby.” His gaze locked with mine as he waited. “Yes?”
    I just wanted to change and go home, but “yeah, fine” came out of my mouth.
    He kept staring until I couldn’t take the awkwardness any more and looked down. Crap, these tan scrubs were freaking hideous.

“F ound Mr. Peterson,” Chase said as he strolled through the very posh lobby of Philadelphia Hospital. Could have saved hospital money,