The Doctor on Call

Chapter 3

Nyla

When I get in my car and watch Dr.Pryce walk away I feel a heaviness on my chest. I can't believe what just happened in the elevator. One minute I'm about to faint from being closed in the elevator and the next minute his hand is down my pants. My mind was screaming for me to stop but my body accepted it openly. The farthest I’ve ever even gone in the intimacy department was steamy make-out sessions with some touching over the clothes, but his touch set my whole body on fire and I want more. When the elevator jolted back to life the realization of what I did with my boss sunk in quickly and I felt horrible.

A tear slips down my cheek as I put my car in reverse. As I passed Dr.Pryce I don’t look at him. I just wipe the tear away and drive away ready to put it all behind me.

When I get home, I hit the button on my answering machine and listen to my mother's voice ask how my first day was as I strip out of my scrubs and turn the shower on. When the message is over I get in the shower and attempt to wash away the events of the day. As the hot water rains down on me, I can't stop thinking about Dr. Pryce's hands on me.

I don't know why I’m so inexperienced. I'm not ugly and I've had guys want me, but it just never got that far. I was a sheltered child to start with. My mama wouldn't let me hang out with kids she didn't know or like. I had to come in the house super early up until high school and even then she only bumped my curfew back an hour which meant I had to be home at 8:30 every night, 10:00 on weekends. So it definitely put a damper on my social life.

The only thing I ever really rebelled against was being friends with my best friends Hannah. My mom thought she was too spirited for me, but Hannah was like a favorite tv show. She would tell me her many s****l escapades and my mom hated that I even knew about s*x. So when we moved here I pleaded with her to give me my own space and surprisingly she did after my dad basically handed me the money.

After my shower, I pour myself a glass of wine and throw a slice of leftover French bread pizza on a plate. Even though I’m only 19, my mom started me on wine when I was 12, letting me have small sips at dinners and parties.

I turn the tv on and watch weekly reality shows until Hannah calls me. I tell her everything and she explodes with screams right in my ear. I hold the phone away from my ear until she finished.

"Oh my God, that's so hot. Ny! California has changed you. I love it!"

I throw my head back laughing "You are ridiculous. He is my boss for crying out loud. It's wrong"

"He came on to you not the other way around. It's so excited for you. Finally letting a hottie in those granny panties.....I hope you didn't have any granny panties on. That would be a mood killer." She snorts

"No, I had on boy shorts but it's not going to happen again. He made that very clear" I gulp a large portion of wine trying to drown out the disappointment because deep down I want it to happen again.

"So how big was he?" She breaks my thought.

"Seriously Hannah? Such a freak.....He was pretty big" I feel my cheeks heat up thinking about how it felt through his pants. I take a deep breath. Hannah changes the subject to her own s*x life before calling it a night. Our whole friendship is based on s*x. Her s*x life and my curiosity about s*x. We make a perfect pair I guess.

I pop open my laptop and check all my social media accounts before heading to bed. I flick all the lights off and climb in bed. I sink into the covers as the tiredness from the day consumes me. I look out the window and I have the perfect view of the night sky. I lay there playing the scene with Dr. Pryce in my head over and over till I fall asleep.

The next morning my head is in clouds. I'm not looking forward to seeing Dr. Pryce, but I know I have too. I manage to flat iron my waves out with 20 minutes left for breakfast. As my oatmeal cooks in the microwave, I put on my favorite pink scrubs with a black long sleeve under it. I have run out of my contact prescription so I’m forced to wear my glasses. I eat breakfast quickly and head to work praying it's not as awkward as I know it's going to be.

When I get there, Rosie greets me at the desk "Hey, Nyla. You are right on time because room 146 needs vitals."

I pass her my things and she slips them under the desk. I get to work and an hour passes quickly.

When no new patients come in I make myself busy until I hear his voice. I turn around and Dr. Pryce is coming in with Bennett behind him. Bennett comes over.

"Hey, Southern Belle." He bows in front of me and I laugh.

"Hi, Bennett. What are you doing here? This isn't even your floor."

"I just wanted to come to say hi. So how is your second day going?"

He leans against the wall and looks down at me

"It's good. I'm a little more comfortable with everything." Bennett flashes a smile and for some reason, I blush at its cuteness.

"So, Nyla, Some of us are going to a bar tonight after work and I was wondering if you," He pokes my shoulder "would like to come?"

I smile up at him and just as I’m about to say yes, Dr. Pryce interrupts

"Bennett, you came up here for a file. Here is the file now go back to your floor so Ms. Grove can get back to her job"

Bennett flashes me another smile. "See you tonight, Nyla"

He takes the file and gets back on the elevator. I never actually gave him an answer but I guess going out tonight would be some fun. I sure needed it since I have actually been out since I moved here. I turn to carry some files in the file room but I’m stopped by Dr. Pryce. My stomach turns and I'm too scared to even look in his eyes.

"Ms. Grove, there are a lot of things that need to be done and standing around fraternizing with Bennett won't get them done."

"Yes, Sir" I mumble before walking off.

As soon as I get done putting the file away, Dr. Pryce is already telling me to do something else.

He continues throwing orders at me with a cocky smirk on his face each time he speaks to me like he knows I’m going to break. I'm so busy running around doing the jobs of 3 people that I miss lunch.

When I’m finally done with checking a patient's vitals I sit done for the first time all day. My stomach growls but I’m too angry to even eat. I feel like I’m being punished for whatever reason. I have done anything wrong. Pryce passes me.

"Tired?"

I frown "No"

I rub my stomach trying to push the growling away. I check my watch and realize I really need to eat something. I've had an Iron deficiency since I was young and have never had many problems so I don't tell anyone. I always try to eat something so I don't completely pass out. I don't want anyone treating me like a child.

I reach under the desk and grab my green apples and peanut butter and begin munching on it as I take calls while everyone is out. Pryce passes me as he makes his way from room to room, but he doesn't look at me. I shake my head and finish eating just Rosie returns.

"Where were you for lunch?"

"Right here. Dr. Pryce worked me to death so I ended up missing lunch. I ate though" I shrug

"Good. So Bennett says that you're coming out with us tonight. We are going to have so much fun but as your new friend, I will only let you have two drinks, my treat" She smiles walks off to wash her hands.

When 8:00 finally comes, I clock out relieved that I'm away from Pryce. He has been a total jerk all day working me to the bone without a care. I wanted to scream at him that I wasn't going to give up no matter what. The more I thought about it the more I think he wanted me to quit or wanted a reason to fire me because of what happened in the elevator. I wish he would just forget about it as I did. It was a one-time thing and he made it clear that it would never happen again.

As I’m walking to my car, I dig in my bag for my phone and realize that I must have left it in the desk drawer.

I sigh and run back to the elevator hoping that the door would still be unlocked. To my relief, it is. I go in and grab my phone turning quickly to leave when I hear a weird noise. I follow the sound and Pryce's office light is on. Stepping forward, I slowly ignore my inner voice telling me to leave.

When he is in my view, I see him and the nurse he fired yesterday in front of him basically pressing herself against him.

A weird feeling comes over me and I become angry seeing her all over him. She has on a skin-tight dress with her boobs halfway out asking him to give her job back. Just as it looks like he is reaching in to touch her I lean too forward and knock a cup of pens over. Their eyes shoot up and I quickly run to the elevator hitting the button. It opens immediately and I get in as Pryce is calling my name. I hit the close button fast as he rushes to get to me. The door closes just in time.

I thought that maybe what happened to me was just a coincidence, but apparently, he is used to women in the office throwing themselves at him. I hate to admit it but I’m jealous. I hated seeing her hands on him and I don't even know him like that.

I walk fast to my car and I hear the elevator open.

"Nyla!' I hear my name being called but I don't react.

I crank my car up and reverse quickly, speeding away. I don't want to hear his excuse. I don't need one. Who am I for him to give an explanation to anyways? I'm just a girl that works for him.

When I get home, I change clothes quickly and put on a little makeup. I check myself in the mirror approving of the black shorts and loose fitted top. I throw on a pair of cute wedge heels and head back out washing my thoughts of Pryce.

I take a cab to the bar and when I walk in Rosie sees me first.

"Nyla! You look so cute. Who knew you had this little body under those scrubs"

I laugh and Bennett walks up "I agree with what Rose said."

He nods eyeing my body. I roll my eyes and Rose hands me a drink. We go to the bar and Ryan is there to hug me. We all talk and watch sports on the flat screen above the bar. I finish my drink and Rosie orders me my second one. Bennett asks me to dance and as I’m saying yes he takes my hand at leads me on the floor with a crowd of other people. We dance through a few songs before I need a break. I notice that throughout the night Bennett stays by my side and I don't really mind. He hasn't given me any reason to push him away.

"So are you having fun?" He leans over in my ear whispering. I look up at him.

"Yeah. I am. Thanks for inviting me" He throws his arm over my shoulder.

"No problem, I had to call dibs before someone else got a hold of you"

He smiles hard. Around 11 I try to call a cab but my phone and everyone else's phone is dead. I don't mind though because I live a few blocks away. I say bye to everyone and Bennett stays behind.

"Are you sure you don't want me to walk you home?"

"I'm sure Bennett. Thanks though. I had fun, but I just want to make sure that you know that we are just friends. I don't really need anything serious"

I give him a sympathetic smile and he nods "I understand. I just like hanging with you and I hope we can do it again. It's movie night at my place next weekend so come. Rose and Ryan will be there. Just bring some drinks"

"I'll be there" I give him a quick hug and turn to walk off.

I'm not worried about walking home alone for some reason. It's a pretty quiet neighborhood and I’m not that far. As I’m walking I think about the pros and cons of working. Pro, I'm making good friends. Con, Pryce. Pro, I'm actually developing a social life. Con, Pryce. I smile to myself and turn the corner to head home.

I end up passing a cute little winery and there is an event going on inside. I look inside as I walk by watching people in dresses and suits laughing. I'm about to look away when someone catches my eye. Pryce is in a black suit with a white tie. My eyes scan over him and I can feel myself swooning. I slow my steps to prolong the glance and suddenly he turns and his eyes fall on me. I look down quickly and pick up my pace. I hear steps behind me then a hand reaches out to grab my arm. I turn around and Pryce is standing there.

"Hi, Nyla"

"Um Hi, Dr. Pryce." His cologne hits my nose and I inhale deeply. His sea green eyes burn into mine and I can't look away "What are you doing out here alone?"

"Oh. I was just walking home. I went out with Rose, Bennett, and Ryan. I live a couple blocks away so I’m fine" I shrug. I turn to walk away and he stops me again "It's not safe for you to walk alone, Nyla"

"I'm fine, Dr. Pryce"

"Call me, Leo. We aren't at work. Let me drive you home, please. I'd feel better" Back to being sweet and caring, I see.

I hesitate but I know he won't let me walk away "Fine"

I walk behind him as he heads to his car and I feel awkward since just a few hours ago I saw a formal employee pushing up on him to get her job back but it's none of my business. We get to his car and he holds the door open for me. I slide in and he closes it, walking around to the driver’s side. I put on my seat belt as he gets in.

"You really didn't have to do this, Dr...I mean Leo. I would have been fine walking"

"You never know what kind of crazy people are out here, Nyla."

My name rolling off his tongue begins to sound sweeter and sweeter. He reaches over putting the car in first gear and his hand brushes over my knee sending little tingles over my skin. My breath hitches and I look down at his hand then him wanting them on my body so bad. He doesn't react so I turn forward.

"So, Nyla, about earlier..."

"It's really none of my business. You don't have to explain anything" The tension in the car begins to grow and my house seems 20 miles away.

"It wasn't what it looked like. She was there trying to get her job back but I turned her down. I didn't touch her"

"Really, Leo, It's none of my business. I'm nobody. You're my boss you can do whatever you want." or whoever you want for that matter.

He changes gears and his hand touches my knee again but I don't react though the tingles remain.

"I don't want you to think that I abuse my job. I'm not the type" and yet he had his hands down my pants 24 hours ago.

"Okay"

"Do you believe me?" He glances over at me

"Sure but it doesn't matter."

He pulls up at a stop sign and turns to me leaning over ever so close

"It does if you are going to think badly of me. I'm a lot of things Nyla but I never abuse my position to get a woman."

I look at up him as his warm breath hits my lips and nod

"I believe you" I mumble.

"Good. So where do you live?" He asks and I look up

"Right there." I point to the building at the end of the block and He pulls up to it. I undo my seat belt

"Um thanks, Leo. I'll see you tomorrow."

I swing my leg out, but his hand lands on mine

"Wait, Nyla" Ugh I wish he would stop saying my name so damn sexy.

"About Bennett, be careful with him. He has been around a bit" Was he seriously trying to warn me about a guy?

“We are just friends. I'll see you tomorrow" I smile softly and get out.

Pryce and I don't exchange words the rest of the week if it has nothing to do with work. He continues to overwork me and I keep taking it. It begins to get frustrating but I figure it's just my first week and I’m still in a trial period.

I keep up my work never giving him a reason to complain about my work. I'm happy it's Friday. but I have missed lunch for the day and I'm beginning to feel it. I try to tell Pryce that I need a lunch break but he just tells me to check another patient. By 3:00pm I feel weak and tired. Drained beyond compare, I try to push through it but It's just making me feel worse.

Leo

I don't see Nyla pass by and I assume she is still stocking the exam rooms. She should be done by now. I go into the hall and call her name. When she comes out her face looks a little pale.

"Ms. Grove, I need a set of vitals for rooms 145, 147, and 150 now."

She nods and when I turn to go back to my office I hear Rose "Oh my God, Nyla!"

I turn to see Nyla on her hands and knees and Rose running over to her. I rush to the floor in front of Nyla and I lay my hand on her arm

"Nyla look at me" I order and she blinks a few times then looks up. I pull my small flashlight from my pocket and shine it in her eyes.

"Do you have any medical conditions?" She nods slowly and mumbles.

"Iron deficiency. I missed lunch" I stand and help her up leading her to an exam room. I want to yell at her for being so careless with her health, but I know it's partly my fault. I didn't care whether she ate or not. I was being selfish. I help her sit on the exam table and she lays back. I close the door and start checking her vitals.

"Your BP is low. Why didn't you tell me, Nyla?"

"I didn't want anyone to slack up on me. You would have used it as an excuse to fire me" She closes her eyes and I sigh knowing she is right. I would have easily fired her for something like this. I had been overworking her on purpose for my own selfish need to forget about what happened in the elevator. I felt something and didn't want to so I took out my frustrations on her.

"I'm sorry. Nyla."

"It's fine. I just need to eat something." She sits up

"I think you should go home" Her eyes widen and I want to smirk

"I'm not firing you. Just go home and get some rest. Doctor's order" I grab her arm and help her down. Nyla stumbles a bit bumping into my chest. She looks up

"Sorry" She mumbles.

When she goes to step around me I grab her by the waist. She freezes and I pull her to me.

"Nyla, I'm the one that should be sorry. I've been working you harder than anyone else on purpose."

"Why?" she frowns

"I was trying to help myself forget about what happened in the elevator. It was so wrong, but I can't stop thinking about it."

Nyla looks at me for a moment and steps back out of my hands

"I should get home. I'm tired."

She opens the door but I stop her again. I pull out my notepad and write my number on it

"Text me when you get home so I know you're okay. That's an order. If you don't I'll be forced to come over. I know where you live" I smirk and it pulls a smile from her.

I open the door and let her out. She waves goodbye to Rose and gets on the elevator. I pull my phone from my pocket putting it on vibrate so I know when she texts me. She better text. I decided then and there that I wouldn't overwork her anymore. Not because of her health, but because I felt guilty in general. It wasn't helping my feelings go away so why continue to put her through hell.

I don't know what kind of spell she has over me but I want her around. Everyone likes her and she is a hard worker. She is definitely proving that her age and experience has nothing to do with her work ethic. I don't know how I went from thinking of her as a burden to thinking about ripping her clothes off but I know nothing can happen. I'll just have to try hard to keep my hands to myself.

Really hard.