Four ~ Evelyn

I tuck my ill-fitting black polo into my green trousers.

I always change at work, wearing a uniform with "Ambulance" written across it in bold can attract the wrong kind of attention. I'm not overly familiar with this event venue, so I've opted to change in a toilet cubicle.

Stepping out, I walk over to the full length mirror to assess my appearance.

It's the smallest size but it still swallows me. The top alone could be a dress, coming to a stop at my mid-thigh before being strategically tucked out of sight.

I gather up my long hair and twist it into a bun before securing it with several small clips. This is the only way to ensure it won't get in the way during a shift. The last thing you want is to be blinded by your own hair whilst doing chest compressions.

I study my bare face. I never bother with makeup for work and fortunately my few days off have been forgiving to my under-eyes.

Gathering my stuff together, with a final glance I leave the bathroom.

Staff are hurrying around correcting the tablecloths, polishing window spots and inspecting glasses. The high ceilings have been dressed up with pearl-white silk drapes to contrast the ebony tablecloths and detailing.

Floating thirty-five floors above central London with panoramic windows, the reasons for choosing this venue surround you.

I make my way to the cupboard being dubbed as the first aid room for tonight. Organising the bags of equipment, I start setting up the plain room.

It's a low risk event, so I'm working alone. Not that you could fit more than one patient and one medic in here at a time.

The live music flowing in from under the cream door signals the commencement of the event.

I sit at the crammed table and decide to read until I'm needed.

Five chapters in, my fantasy world peals away to the sound of a knock.

"Come in!" I call, slipping my phone into my back pocket as I stand.

As the door opens, the music intensifies until it fades away when I see the person standing in the doorway.

I have to remind myself to close my mouth and keep breathing. What are the odds?

His hair is styled tactically to the left of his face. A slight curl kept under guard by gel.

The lack of blood does wonders for his cheekbones and strong jaw. Although, swapping an insulation blanket for a tailor made suit really completes the look.

He probably won't even recognise me, I'm not wearing a mask and I'm in a different uniform. I shouldn't want him to recognise me anyway. Stay professional Evelyn.

"How can I help?" I enquire cheerfully. After a further few moments of him looking through me, I take a step closer, "Are you okay?"

"Um, yes!" Adrian stutters, blinking himself out of his trance "My hand."

He timidly holds up his hand like a child. There's a cut across his palm.

"Would you like to take a seat so I can take a look?" Nodding, he lets me guide him to a chair.

I position the second seat opposite his before sitting and sliding my chair forward. My legs graze his. The jolt of lightning running through my body has me swiftly repositioning.

I look up to find his stunning turquoise eyes intently watching me.

I gesture to his hand with mine now gloved. He immediately offers it to me and I rest it on my leg.

"What happen Mr Talkathon?" Where's the confident man I met that exerted control and dominance from a bed?

"Someone dropped their glass, I tried to help pick up the pieces…" Adrian is once again lost in thought before continuing with an awkward laugh "I think I hindered more than helped. The flustered waitress sent me packing over here."

"Well at least you tried. There doesn't appear to be any glass in the wound." I try to reassure him with a smile whilst I gently clean the laceration.

"How've you been? I didn't think I'd get to see you again." He captivates my gaze with his smile.

"So, you do remember me?" I try to keep my tone level.

"How could I forget?" He states, almost confused that I'd even doubt it. "I spent an eternity gazing into those gorgeous eyes."

I can feel heat puddling in my cheeks. "So um, how's your head?" Come on brain, stay with me!

"Right as rain, thanks to you." I force myself to look away and pick up a large square adhesive bandage. I hold it above the wound to compare the size.

After checking he didn't have any allergies, I apply the bandage. Smoothing it out, I run my fingers along the edges.

"Can I take you for coffee?" The rich voice caresses me, stilling my hands. Why did he have to be a patient!

Seeing him would be completely inappropriate.

Resigned to this fact, I sigh. "I'm sorry, I can't. You're my patient, I can't cross that boundary"

"I won't tell if you don't!" Adrian argues. After watching me silently shake my head, he envelopes my hands in his. Immediately I feel protected.

I've never experienced something so intense and consuming before. Not even after two years with my ex.

But I shouldn't. I could get into big trouble. So why am I finding it so hard to resist him?

He leans in closer. The soft scent of lavender, lemon and oak swirl around me.

"Please…" he pleads. He removes one of his hands to slowly tilt my chin up to meet his unwavering gaze. "I'll promise to try my best to never be your patient again."

That's true, he's not an ongoing patient. And he approached me. No, I should not be entertaining this.

But then he smiles at me and my resolve shatters. "Okay!" I simply nod.