Human Blend by Lori Pescatore

clothes seemed to act like a magnet, pulling them
closer together.
    “If I have to be wet, I want it to be for a
good reason,” Julie stated.
    “And what would constitute a good reason?”
Austin asked, his voice lowering an octave. Julie leaned up to kiss
him, illustrating her point.
    “Couldn't have thought of a better reason
myself,” he breathed, after the kiss.
    “C'mon, let's get dried off,” Julie said,
tugging on his hand. Together, they headed up to her room, unaware
of eyes following their every move.
    Up in her room, Julie retrieved two towels
from the bathroom. “I should have gotten you a vase,” Austin said,
looking at the rose in the ice bucket.
    “Oh, shoot. I meant to pick one up, too,” she
said. Julie draped the towel around his neck, drying his hair as he
stared at her. “What?” she asked, curiously.
    “I can't believe you are staying,” he said.
“But, I have to ask,” he continued. “Is the only reason you are
staying because of the hospital?”
    Julie knew what he was asking. She would be
lying to herself if she didn't factor in her feelings for him in
her decision making. She also knew, if there was even an inkling of
danger, she would leave to keep him safe. At least, that was what
she told herself. Her own safety suddenly seemed trivial. “No,
Austin, It's not the only reason,” she replied, wrapping her arms
around him.
    He leaned in to kiss her, his lips gently
brushing hers. “Julie,” he breathed her name, his lips traveling
along her jaw. Julie's body seemed to melt against his. A heavy
sigh escaped her lips, as her fingers grasped his hair. Austin's
mouth traveled back to hers, passion fueling the need. She would
not pull back this time. The longing would not be denied.
     

Chapter Four-- The Cure
     
    The next morning, Julie stretched, her hand
making contact with Austin's bare shoulder next to her. She rolled
on her side, lightly kissing his exposed skin. He rolled over and
looked sleepily at her. “Don't tell me you are one of those morning
people,” he said, rolling back over.
    “My, aren't we the bear?” she teased,
snuggling against him. His movements caught her by surprise as he
was suddenly on top of her, staring into her eyes.
    “Wanna hear my growl?” he asked, before
kissing her.
    Neither of them had an early morning
schedule. Austin's first final of the day wasn't until eleven, and
Julie didn't have work until twelve. They used the time getting to
know each other more intimately.
    Austin left before Julie, stopping in the
lobby briefly to help himself to a bagel and orange juice. “Did you
have a good rest?” a man loitering asked him.
    “Yes, I did. How about yourself?” Austin just
figured the man was making conversation.
    “I did. Probably not as good as you did,” the
man replied.
    “What do you mean?” Austin narrowed his eyes
at him.
    “I saw that hot number you came in with last
night, must have been some wild night,” the man winked at him.
    Austin felt his blood boil. “Who the hell are
you?” Austin asked getting in the man's face.
    “Just an observer,” the man replied, not the
least bit intimidated.
    “How about you mind your own business?”
Austin said, through clenched teeth.
    “Is there a problem, gentlemen?” Patricia
called over to them from behind the desk.
    “No. No problem,” the man said, with a smile
at Austin. “Just making conversation,” he finished, then headed out
the door.
    Austin was taken aback by the incident with
the man. He wasn't sure what to make of it. One thing he did know,
however, was that this guy was one to be mindful of. He walked out
the door and looked down the street in both directions. He did not
see the man anywhere. He pulled out his cell phone and called up to
Julie in her room.
    “Hello,” Julie said, answering.
    “Jules, it's me,” he said.
    “Hey you. Didn't I just see you?” she asked,
smiling into the phone.
    “Yeah, listen. Do me a favor? Be careful.
There was this really