Human Blend by Lori Pescatore Read Free Book Online Page B

towards it. “Why
don't you come in for a minute,” Julie suggested to Austin. She
knew the man would be in the hallway for a long time and felt
awkward saying goodnight to Austin with a potential audience.
Austin stepped inside and Julie closed the door.
    “How long you think it's gonna take him?”
Austin kidded.
    “Oh, stop. You'll be that old someday,” she
reminded him. Julie looked at Austin. “I had a really good time
today,” she said, “Thanks for spending your whole day showing me
around,” she said.
    “You're welcome, it was my pleasure,” Austin
said with a bow.
    Julie laughed, “You better get going, silly,”
she said.
    “Can next time be after you get off work
tomorrow?” Austin asked.
    Being this close to him, Julie was having a
hard time keeping him at a distance. “Probably,” she said, “Let me
see how tired I am,” she finished, not wanting to commit to
anything definite.
    “Okay, we'll see how you feel,” he said.
Julie knew the moment was coming. She reminded herself to stay in
control of her own hormones as Austin moved closer to her.
    “I really like you,” Austin all but whispered
as his lips touched hers for the second time that day. The kiss was
gentle, but Julie still felt a rush of heat course through her.
Austin pulled back slowly, but Julie wasn't ready for the moment to
end just yet. She tilted her head and re-closed the gap that had
begun to open, reconnecting her lips to his. Austin responded by
pulling her closer. His hands reached for her face. Julie placed
her hands on his hips as the kiss deepened. She never wanted anyone
as much as she wanted Austin right then. The kiss broke once again,
but their bodies remained connected. Austin's breathlessness
matched her own. The momentary increase in oxygen helped clear her
head, slightly.
    “Finals. Work,” was all she could say.
    “Yeah,” was Austin's one word reply. Julie
rested her head on his chest. Austin's arms wrapped her up
comfortably as both waited for their heartbeats to resume a normal
rhythm.
    “Think he made it back yet?” Austin asked,
and Julie burst into laughter. She knew he was referring to the
older gentleman.
    Julie playfully punched his shoulder, “You're
so bad,” Julie stepped out of his embrace and smiled. “You better
go,”
    “Tomorrow,” he said. Julie opened the door
for him.
    “Good night,” she said.
    “Sweet dreams,” he wished and walked out the
door.
    Julie closed it behind him. “Nothing but
sweet dreams,” she said softly to herself.
    She walked over to the bed and sat down,
reflecting on the day. She hoped everything would go well tomorrow
at the hospital. She really liked it here. The town, the people. Austin. “Time for bed,” she said to get herself moving. She
had a long day ahead of her tomorrow, one that would mean big
changes one way or another. She readied herself for bed and, after
setting the alarm, curled comfortably under the covers. She went
seeking the sweet dreams that Austin had wished her.
     

Chapter Three--First Day on the Job
     
    Julie awoke at 7 A.M. feeling well rested.
She decided to dress in jeans and a t-shirt and carried her uniform
in a small bag to change into. She was down in the lobby by 7:45
A.M., ready to take the walk to the hospital. She stepped outside,
but moved no further than the overhang that covered the hotel
entrance. The rain was coming down in buckets. “Crap,” Julie
exclaimed. She was going to need transportation. She went back into
the hotel and went to the front desk. Patricia was on duty.
    “Good morning, Patricia,” Julie greeted.
    “Good morning Miss Miller,” Patricia
returned.
    “I was wondering if you could call me a cab,”
Julie asked.
    “Certainly, Miss Miller. It will probably
take about fifteen minutes,” the clerk explained.
    “No problem,” Julie accepted.
    She decided to take a seat and wait for her
ride. There was a small seating area, so Julie took a seat opposite
a man whose face was obscured by