Sometimes, someone takes your breath away, but that has never happened to me. Then, a smile walks into my hospital room that goes straight to my soul. Maybe it was all the drugs or the fact I just had a double bypass at age 35, but I can't look away from this handsome nurse. I wonder how many times he's been in my room. I didn't remember much from the first three days after my surgery.
Then, it started coming back to me. Beginning with the shower after my home workout, I could not regain my wind, and my breathing became heavier. I had some tension in my shoulders. When I tried to lie down, my breathing became worse. After googling my symptoms, I asked my roommate to drive me to the local hospital, about 20 minutes away.
When we got to this hospital, I was able to walk in on my own, only to have the receptionist look at me and say, "Oh shit," I was admitted immediately. The ER nurse insisted I sit, and this was the only time I lost my temper at anyone. Gasping for air, I told her I could only breathe by pacing and swinging my arms. The doctor arrived and ordered blood work and an EKG. Later, this doctor said the labs suggested a heart attack. I was given Nitro, which the doctor said would keep my heart alive. At some point, the ER doctor decided to send me to a larger hospital about two hours away.
I arrived around 2 am by ambulance, and a tech or nurse explained that the doctor would put a stent into my blocked artery or blood vessel. I went right to the operating room onto a cold table. I never received a stent, and it was explained to me that my heart was too damaged. Now, I'm in a second ambulance going to a hospital nearby. I needed a double bypass emergency surgery.
At the third hospital, over five hours since this all started, I was prepped for surgery. Much time had lapsed after the double bypass, and the Surgeon came to speak with me and explained what happened. The rare type of heart attack was known as SCAD, and I am 1 out of 10,000 of all the heart attacks that occur. I thought that was what my percentages were for finding love.
"Good morning, Brian," Nurse Adam's smile beams at me. He's pushing the bedside cart with various gadgets toward me. He goes on to say, "You're looking good today. I think it may be time to get cleaned up."
I utter, "What?" This guy is my hospital crush, and I do not think I should have any sexual triggers at this moment or maybe for a long time.
This cardiac care nurse, Adam, is about six feet tall, with muscles on muscles under pale skin. He has sandy blonde hair, cut short, hazel eyes, and a dazzling smile. That smile; it was all about that smile. I was thankful nothing was stirring between my legs. The care he gave me during the ten days I was hospitalized was paramount to my recovery. It was time for a sponge bath. I wasn't sure if I should laugh or cry.
Adam set up the buckets, water, and sponge. Then he helped remove my gown and handed me a towel to hold. Having someone take care of me this way and feeling the warm water running down my back was exquisite. "Nice and clean," Adam chuckled.
In all ways, while I was in the hospital, Adam was always professional. On the other hand, I almost drooled each time he entered the room. It was not until my last full day that he approached me personally; he seemed nervous. "Brian, since you are leaving tomorrow, and I'm not scheduled, I was wondering if I could drive you home. I would happily do that for you."
My brain was puzzled by the words coming out of his mouth. Somehow, I said, "My parents will take me home. My mom is a midwife and will be there to help me."
Adam looked sad. "That's great. May I have your number so I can text or call you?"
"Of course, here's my number. It would be great to hear from you," I said, hiding my excitement. I gave him what was supposed to be a quick hug.
Adam did not let me go and breathed into my ear, "We'll talk soon." He looked right into my eyes and smiled. My heart beat so hard that it scared me.
My days were like torture, waiting for a call or text from Adam. I walked around like when I was in the hospital. Walking in my room, the house, and even the yard. I was uncomfortable all the time. Five days after I arrived at my parents' home, he called. "How's my favorite patient?" He continued, "Brian, can I see you next week?"
Just hearing his voice made me feel comfortable. I sighed and chirped, "I'm good, and would like to see you also, Adam." We set a date and time, which was the only thing I could think about for the next six days.
The moment arrived, and he was standing in front of me. "Hi, so good to see you, Adam. I'm ready to leave here for a while."
He giggled and smiled, "Let's go. I saw a park a short distance away from here. I brought you a healthy picnic lunch." We were at the park within minutes, where he took my hand, pulled me close, and gave me a huge kiss. I could not resist him.
"Brian, I like you. You're kind, thoughtful, and smart. You're hot! I get turned on by your mountain man looks and those blue eyes." He professed. "I'm willing to take it slow, real slow. You are in recovery, and the fact that you live almost two hours away. Could we try to make this work?"
I just looked at him for a few minutes and stumbled on my words, "I...I...would like that. Not...not sure how, but yes...yes, let's try." This picnic was the best one I had ever been to.