I am a big fan of first meetings. These often set the tone for the relationship, and tell us a lot about how the couple will interact with one another later in the story.
In Fly by Night, I honestly hadn’t intended Elam to take the male lead. I had intended the ghostly apparition of Malachi to be the one who swept her off her feet, but it simply didn’t happen that way. Blythe met Elam and that was that, she was hooked and so was he. The two of them meet at the hospital after Blythe has a car accident. Fortunately, she isn’t badly hurt, but decided it was prudent to be checked by a doctor before going home.
“Blythe Donovan?” An orderly stood next to her with a wheelchair. He was blond, blue eyed and had lovely dimples in both cheeks. “Hello. I’m Elam, your ride to radiology,” he said with a smile. “Have a seat and we’ll head out in style.” He winked at her, his mouth twitching as he tried to suppress a grin.
“We’ll be here when you get back,” her mother said, sobbing.
Blythe said nothing until the doors closed behind her. “You’d think I’d been half killed,” she muttered. “Which is why I didn’t want Jason to call them.”
“Is Jason your boyfriend? Fiancé?”
Blythe glanced at him over her shoulder. He was tall, broad shouldered and handsome. His short, blond hair was wavy and his eyes were a mysterious shade.
“My brother. Why?”
He chuckled. “Cause you’re very pretty and I’d hate to think you’re taken.”
“The engagement ring isn’t a give away?” She wiggled her finger at him.
“Which is why I asked. So, where is the guy who goes with the ring?”
“Arlington National Cemetery.”
“Wow, walked hard into that wall. I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you.” She looked at the ring. “I suppose I should take the ring off. It’s been a year.”
“You take it off when you’re ready,” he said softly. “And I am sorry. Just, you’re the prettiest woman to roll into my ER.”
“Are you trying to ask me out?”
He chuckled, nodding. “Yeah, well—I’m a guy. Sue me.”
He swung the chair around a corner, slithered past an old man with a janitor’s cart, and guided the chair into the radiology department.
“I’ll be waiting when you’re done,” he said.
“I’d give you a tip, but I left my purse with my mother.”
He chuckled, touching his forehead as he gave a deferential bow. “I live but to serve, miss.”
“Elam, are you flirting with a patient?” the technician teased.
“You caught me. Take good care of this one,” he said with a grin.
“I’ll do my best. Scoot.”
He went into the hall, closing the door behind him.
The technician took a series of films for the doctor to examine. When she was done, she opened the door. True to his word, Elam was waiting for them. He helped Blythe settle in the wheelchair and took off at a brisk pace.
“I’d give you a tour, but I think you’re presence is required elsewhere.”
“Thank you. I’ve seen more of the hospital today than I’ve ever seen.”
“It’s like a rabbit warren. I know all the best places to hide from the nurses and catch a nap—”
“Or hook up with a hot nurse?”
“Don’t let Grey’s Anatomy fool you. Most of our doctors and nurses are too busy looking after the patients to hump in the on-call rooms. Believe it or not, people actually sleep there.” He gasped a little for effect, taking the last turn so quickly, the chair tipped. He never lost control, righting it safely.
Blythe gave out a little Eep of surprise. Giggling, she thanked him for the ride. He bowed again, handing her a piece of paper with his name and number neatly printed on it.
“For when you decide to take off the ring,” he murmured. “Take your time.” He kissed her hand once more, before going back through the double doors separating them from the rest of the hospital.
© 2019 Dellani Oakes
Dellani Oakes 