Rumor Going 'Round (Lyrics and Love #3) - Lind, Samantha Page 0,28
that I wanted to help people, and nursing just kind of worked. I didn’t really know what department or specialty I wanted to work in until I started clinicals. The ER is like nothing else. The constant changing, you never know what you’re going to get kind of atmosphere keeps you on your toes and moving. Very rarely do we ever have much downtime, and the shifts we do, it’s almost like the calm before the storm. None of us like it when that happens because it's usually followed by complete chaos.”
“I understand that thinking. When we’ve gone too long between calls at the firehouse, we all dread that next one because it’s usually a big one.”
“Have you decided on the dog decision for Paisley’s birthday?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I haven’t. I really need to decide one way or another, soon. Her birthday is this week.”
“Aww, are you guys doing anything special?” I ask.
“A party next weekend. Would you like to come?” he offers.
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“You wouldn’t be an intrusion, plus, I invited you.”
“What are you guys doing?”
“She wanted one of those bounce castles, so I rented one to be set up in the backyard. Lilly and I have always just done one joint celebration for her every year, so everyone will be at one party. Just grilling up some hot dogs and hamburgers and letting the kids run around and play. Nothing super fancy, just a family-friendly party, plus some cake and ice cream, at some point. We’re starting at noon, so if you are free and want to stop by, then I’d love to have you.”
“Thanks, I’ll see what's going on and maybe stop by,” I tell him as we reach the front of the line—the worker holding the gate open for us to take a seat. I cautiously take a seat, then latch myself to Tucker's side as soon as he’s next to me. The carnie locks the gate contraption that goes in front of us, then presses a button, causing us to move so they can unload and load the next one.
“I’ve got you.” Tucker's deep sexy voice fills my ear. He places one arm around me, tugging me even closer to his side as his other hand holds mine. His lips are next to my ear as he does his best to keep my nerves at bay with his calming words. “We’re just moving a little at a time, nothing to be scared of right now,” he says, and I open my eyes up slightly. We’ve only moved enough space for them to unload and re-load two others. I keep my eyes open, even as we move up another spot. “See, you’ve got this. Just look at me if you need to.”
“How can you be so calm?” I finally get out.
“Heights don’t scare me, babe. I climb ladders every day, walk along rooflines of buildings that are on fire.”
“And you’re crazy,” I quip.
“Not crazy, just live for the adrenaline rush that being out on calls brings me.”
“Ohhh, shit!” I call out as the Ferris wheel starts moving again, this time not stopping after just twenty or so feet. As we creep toward the very top, I feel my stomach roll, but try and focus on keeping my breathing steady and regular.
“I’ve got you,” Tucker says again into my ear, his lips practically touching my neck. His breath on my skin definitely has me distracted as we descend back to the ground and then lift right back up as we circle around. Tucker's lips suck, lighting at the skin just below my ear. My pulse picks up at the contact as lust fills my veins. I sink my free hand into his hair, pulling his lips from my neck, and crush my lips against his. I melt into the connection. His tongue slides along the seam of my lips, and I open for him instantly. He shifts slightly, not like we can sit much differently in this Ferris wheel cart, but he somehow deepens the kiss, making me forget about my surroundings.
“Time’s up, love birds,” the carnie’s voice calls out, and Tucker and I break apart instantly. My cheeks are hot from my embarrassment. Tucker hops off, tugging my hand behind him as we exit and run down the ramp. A giggle comes barreling out, and I can’t stop the laugh from being caught making out like teenagers by the carnie.
“That wasn’t so bad, now, was it?” Tucker asks once we’ve cleared