Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card (Jessie and Luke)

JUST A LITTLE PUSH LAURA

I pulled my sweater sleeves over my hands, sitting on the edge of the exam table while Dr. Calloway finished reviewing my charts. The office was quiet except for the sound of her flipping through the pages, occasionally making a note. The scent of antiseptic and paper filled the space, but at least the overhead lights were soft, not the usual blinding fluorescent ones that made me feel like a patient instead of a person.

"You're doing amazing, Laura," Dr. Calloway said, finally looking up. She smiled, the warmth in her expression genuine. "Your muscle strength is improving faster than expected, your cognitive function is completely normal, and all of your latest scans look good. Honestly, if I didn't know your history, I'd never guess what your body has been through."

I exhaled, feeling a mix of relief and something else I couldn't quite name.

"Thank you," I said softly, gripping the edge of the table to keep my hands from fidgeting.

Dr. Calloway gave me a knowing look. "You seem like you have something on your mind."

I hesitated, shifting in my seat.

I could just say no. That I was fine. That everything was fine.

But the words were stuck in my throat.

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I chewed on my bottom lip, then sighed, clearing my throat. "Can I ask you something?"

Dr. Calloway set the chart aside and leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs. "Of course."

I took a slow breath, my fingers pressing into my thighs. "I just... I wanted to know..." My face burned, and I forced myself to look at her. "Would I be ready to, um... have sex again?"

Dr. Calloway didn't even blink.

Meanwhile, I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.

She rested her elbow on the arm of her chair and steepled her fingers, considering me. "Physically?" she asked. "Yes. I see no reason why you wouldn't be."

I swallowed. "Okay."

"But I don't think that's what you're really asking," she added gently.

I bit the inside of my cheek.

Damn it. She knew.

She always knew.

Dr. Calloway smiled softly. "This is more mental than physical, isn't it?"

I sighed and nodded. "Yeah."

"Are you ready for it?"

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"Yes," I answered immediately.

I didn't hesitate.

Because I was.

My body was stronger. I felt more like myself. And when Josh kissed me last week, really kissed me for the first time in what felt like forever, I wanted him.

I wanted us.

But...

"My husband is handling me like I'm going to break," I admitted, frustration creeping into my voice. "I get it. I do. I was in a coma. My body went through hell. But I'm not made of glass. And I miss him. I miss us."

Dr. Calloway tilted her head. "Have you told him that?"

I exhaled slowly, staring at my hands. "Not... exactly."

She smiled knowingly. "Men aren't mind readers, Laura."

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. "No. No, they're not."

She leaned forward, her voice kind but firm. "You've come so far. And I know you're still healing, in more ways than one. But if you're ready for that next step, tell him. He loves you. He's just scared of pushing you too soon.

I nodded slowly, exhaling. "Yeah. I guess I need to be the one to push this time."

Dr. Calloway grinned. "I think that's a great plan."

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I needed coffee after that consult, liquid courage because tonight, I was telling Josh.

The coffee shop smelled like heaven-freshly brewed espresso, warm pastries, and just a hint of cinnamon in the air. It wasn't busy, just a few people scattered around, working on laptops or chatting quietly. I exhaled, rolling my shoulders as I stepped up to the counter. After my appointment, I needed this...

Needed a moment to just be.

The barista smiled. "What can I get you?"

"A vanilla latte, please." I pulled out my card to pay, but before could tap it, a voice behind me sliced through the air.

"Oh, you have to be kidding me."

I turned, my stomach twisting instantly.

Vivien.

Her raven hair was pulled back, but loose strands framed her face, making her look almost disheveled. Her dark eyes were rimmed red, her expression shifting between disbelief and barely contained fury.

"Wow." She let out a breathy, bitter laugh, crossing her arms. "You just... what? You think you can just waltz back into your perfect little life? Get your coffee like nothing happened?"

I stiffened, gripping the edge of the counter. "Vivien,

"No." She stepped closer, her voice dropping into a seething

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whisper. "You don't get to talk."

The barista glanced between us, looking uncomfortable. The customers sitting nearby were now paying attention, their quiet conversations forgotten.

Vivien's chest rose and fell rapidly. "Do you have any idea what I went through?" Her voice cracked, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I moved here for him-for Josh. I got a job at that stupid school when I saw him get drafted to Texas and moved for him!. Do you get that? Do you even care?"

I clenched my jaw.

This was not what I signed up for when I decided to get a coffee.

"I loved him," she continued, voice raw. "He was mine-he chose me. And now you're back, and you just take him?" Her hands shook as she gestured wildly. "Like these past three years didn't even happen?"

I took a slow breath, willing my voice to stay calm. "Vivien, I didn't take anything. Josh is my husband."noveldrama

Her face twisted with rage. "Oh, fuck you."

A few people gasped.

I heard the barista murmur something, but was too focused on Vivien, who looked like she was barely holding herself together.

She took another step forward, her voice rising. "You were gone! You don't get to come back and act like you can have everything you abandoned-" 10:56

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"I didn't abandon anything," I snapped, my patience thinning. "I was in a coma, Vivien."

The words hung in the air between us.

She flinched, her lips parting slightly, but I could see the venom still brimming in her eyes.

"You have no right to come back," she whispered harshly. "No right to act like this life is yours again."

Before I could respond, the barista had already pulled out their phone. "I'm calling the police," they announced firmly.

Vivien's head whipped around. "Are you serious?"

"You need to leave," the barista said, their voice steady.

She turned back to me, her expression a mixture of desperation and fury.

"You don't deserve him," she spat.

I swallowed, my pulse hammering.

This woman had been in my life, my home, around my daughter, and now she was unraveling in the middle of a coffee shop because she was finally being forced to accept the truth. Josh wasn't hers.

He never was.

A few minutes later, the sound of sirens filled the air. The door opened, and two uniformed officers stepped inside.

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Vivien exhaled sharply, stepping back. "Oh, come on, this is ridiculous-"

"Ma'am," one of the officers interrupted, "please step outside."

She shot me one last, burning glare before shaking her head and storming toward the exit.

I exhaled, my fingers trembling as I turned back to the counter.

The barista gave me a sympathetic look. "Your drink's on the house."

I let out a small, shaky laugh. "Thanks."

Then I grabbed my latte, took a deep breath, and walked out.