MichaelJade emerged from her bedroom after getting ready for her girls' night with Tammie. Her emerald green dress fit her body perfectly, as though it had been made just for her. She pulled her hair back into a braided bun, the red highlighted by the deep green of her dress, and applied her makeup perfectly. It highlighted her high cheekbones and beautiful green eyes.I could only stareat the vision that was standing in front of me. She took my breath away.A knock on the door shook me out of my reverie.Robin ranto the door and flung it open before his mother or I could stop him."Aunt Tammie,"he yelled.She pickedhim up and peppered his face with a lot of kisses."How ismy favorite man in the world?" she asked as she put him down."Awesome,"he said, leading her by the hand into the living room."Daddyand I are ordering pizza tonight and playing video games. We're having a guy's night tonight," he said.Tammie raisedher eyebrows at the word "daddy.”"I'msure you guys will have a gr
JadeI looked up from my computer and stretched, rolling my shoulders around in circles, trying to ease the tension out of my muscles."If I keep leaning over my computer all day like this, I'm going to become a hunchback," I told myself, rubbing my lower back.Heading to the kitchen, I refilled my sweet tea and grabbed a cinnamon roll. I leaned against the cabinets and thought about my relationship with Michael.Life had fallen into a steady groove for us. Many people might consider our relationship mundane, predictable, and boring, which was perfectly fine for me. It felt safe. My entire life had been hectic, starting with my mother's death, Dad's drinking, and trying to raise Sage. I didn't know what would happen from one day to the next.I smiled with contentment and satisfaction as I thought about my life.Michael always got up first. He would head into the kitchen and start the coffee, likely something he had done since he moved out on his own. He was a man who needed his daily
Although Sage had heard these words and others like them a million times in her life, they still hurt. The look on her face told me everything that I needed to know."Dad, isn't it a little early for you to be drinking?" I asked."Well, look who it is. It is Miss Stuck Up, living in a fancy apartment, thinking she is too good for her family," Dad snarled, his words slurred.Then, he looked around. "Where the hell is my grandson? Is he too busy to come over here, too, now that he has a rich daddy to take care of him and buy him anything he wants?" he hissed, his eyes red and bloodshot."You know I don't want him near you when you drink. I don't want my son to be around someone who is mean and acts like this," I replied calmly. Over the years, I learned that meeting my dad's anger with my own only worsened the situation."He just thinks that he's too good to be around me, too," Dad growled as he took another deep drink."No, he is excited to have time with Michael. But even if Michael w
Michael I sat at my desk, rubbing my neck. My thoughts wandered to Robin and Jade. Lately, I've had to work many late hours since we opened our new factory here. Robin had gotten used to me being home every night for supper. Now, I'm lucky to make it home before his bedtime. A couple of times, we did a Zoom meeting so that I could read a story to him while he was in bed. I had an online version of Robin's favorite book, and he had the book he shared with Jade. I was a little envious that Jade was there and couldn't be. A little tiny thought in my mind made me resent that work was taking me away from Robin. I had already missed so much in his life. And now, I was sitting at a desk, realizing I was missing more time with Robin. This feeling was yet another first since I had met my son. Jade hadn't said anything about my work hours. Since she had raised Robin alone, it likely didn't bother her that I didn't get home until late at night. She might even be slightly relieved by the fa
"Almost midnight, Cinderella. Your coach is about to turn back into a pumpkin, so you need to hit the hay before the bell tolls," I told her. "I hoofed it to the ball tonight," she said sleepily, yawning and stretching. "However, I have an early morning, so bed sounds perfect." She stood on her toes and gave me a quick peck on the cheek before shuffling off. Growling, I resisted the temptation to go after her and shake some sense into her. However, that would be the opposite of what I was going for. Miss Independence would have had a heart attack if I interfered. I ate the dinner left for me and thought that it wasn't half bad. I was positive that my mother would have had a heart attack at the thought of me eating something like this when I was a child. I wondered if her reaction would be the same if she saw Robin eating this. Heaven forbid I tell her about this particular dish, or she would immediately hire a nutritionist and a cook to ensure that Robin had gourmet meals. That w
Jade A loud knock on the door startled me because I was so focused on my business plan. I needed to get my plan in motion soon. I had so much on my plate to take care of, such as my sister's tuition, and now trying to figure out a place that could help Dad. I was even more surprised to see Michael's assistant, Daisy, standing in the doorway with her computer bag over one shoulder and her purse over the other. "Hi. I hope I'm not intruding. Michael said that you were working on a business plan for a restaurant. Business plans are my expertise, so I was wondering if perhaps I could help you in any way," Daisy said. "I've also become somewhat of an expert at helping to find the perfect locations for businesses." I wasn't an idiot. There was no way in the world that little Miss Cute and Perfect suddenly had a helpful itch she couldn't resist. She was here under Michael's orders. However, I also wasn't a fool, so if there was someone who had expertise in business plans which could help
"I'm pretty sure my chef skills will speak for me. People won't care if my hair is a simple ponytail or if my outfit is simple as long as my food is good," I said, trying not to sound confrontational. Biting my tongue, I looked down at my meal as the two women exchanged glances. Goldie cleared her throat, and I was expecting another barb about my hair or clothes. Instead, she asked, "You are now working as a pastry chef?" "Yes, ma'am," I replied. "How long have you been doing that?" she inquired. "Formally, since I was sixteen and legally able to work." "I'm sure it's not a high-paying job," she said, her manicured fingers tapping against her glass. "It pays enough," I returned. "Why didn't you go to college and get a degree like Daisy did so you could get a good-paying job?" she asked, a manicured eyebrow rising as she assessed me. I could have told her the entire truth – I was too busy caring for Sage and Robin to go to college. Instead, I told her what I figured she needed
Michael The next morning I woke up to the smell of coffee. That was unusual because I normally beat everyone up. Jade barely acknowledged my good morning, which told me something was bothering her. I started to ask what was wrong when a sleepy Robin made his way into the room, rubbing his eyes. Turningaround to face our son, Jade plastered a fake smile on her face. "What would you like for breakfast, baby?" "Pancakes, please,"he said sleepily. "Coming right up,"she said. "With chocolate chips?"he inquired hopefully. "I thinkwe can manage that for breakfast," she told him. Then, almost as an afterthought, she asked, "Michael, would you like some pancakes?" I raised an eyebrow."That would be terrific," I slowly said. I wasn't interested in eating chocolate chip pancakes, but I liked having meals with Robin. The tension emanatedfrom her so strongly that even Robin felt it. He ate faster than he normally did and wasn't full of his usual chatter. "May I be excused?" he asked as s
My skin buzzes at the sound of his deep voice. I have a second to wonder if it's my imagination before I glance toward the door where Luke is standing.In the flesh. Looking so good that it hurts.At my lack of response, he cautiously slips in and closes the door with a lock clicking, shutting us out from the rest of the world. My heart picks up speed as his gaze roams over me, then settles on my face. I swallow and finally push down my speechlessness."Luke...what are you doing here?"He's silent for a while as he just looks at me. Then he clears his throat."I saw you earlier. Wearing that...looking like that. You took my breath away, but you were gone just as quickly."The way he says it...I can hear his longing. The smile from earlier is gone, replaced by a desire glimmering deep in his gaze. There's a triumphant feeling inside me that he never looked at the gorgeous woman in white this way, but it's immediately smothered by the knowledge that they're still a much better pairing t
Olivia"Hey, Liv! I'm glad you could make it!"I grin at Wanda, who's already with Maria and Jasper when I find her. The three make a beeline toward me, giving me hugs before they take in what I'm wearing. A round of oohs and aahs come, and my cheeks heat up."Come on, guys. I just got this from a thrift shop. And it's basic black."The event was announced long ago: a small charity party with the doctors, the staff, and some of the hospital's major sponsors in attendance, held at the largest conference room. It didn't sink into my mind that it would be a semi-formal event or that it would fall on my day off until yesterday, but the black dress that has always been in my closet is a lifesaver.Medical assistants are not obligated to go, but the director wants us to. Nurses don't have to, but Maria and Jasper are free and said they wouldn't miss getting all glamoured up for the world.Maria rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "Sweetheart, if I looked like that in black, I would wear it every
I nod. "Yeah. For when the software has some technical problems and someone has questions about how to use the device."Henry shakes their hands, including Riley's. A seasoned veteran of life, he's friendly, outgoing, and pretty much will shake anyone's hand, which makes him perfect for his department. "Pleased to meet you both. Luke hasn't brought a lot of guests here, so it's good to see some new faces. Are you customers of the product? Or perhaps you're a new member of the team?" He beams at Riley. "And who's this sweetheart?"I look at Olivia, unsure how to play this. But before I can answer, Riley speaks first."I'm Luke's daughter."It's like a bomb dropping-at least, it feels that way to me and Olivia, if her wide eyes and stupefied expression are any indication. My head whips toward Riley, who is smiling at Henry, with Henry eyeing her curiously."You are?"She nods. "Luke is my dad." Then she turns to me. "You're my dad, aren't you?"Color me stunned and rendered speechless.
LukeBeing in Olivia’s house again after taking her so thoroughly a week ago feels more intimate than I anticipated, but it’s also exciting. It’s my third playdate with Riley, who doesn’t have movie-watching in mind this time.“I still have homework, Luke, and I should finish it today.”“Oh. Do you want help with it?”“No. I want to do my homework by myself. Mom says to ask for help if I’m confused, but I’m not confused.”It’s another way of saying she’s independent, which amuses me as I follow her to a room that her mom made into her homework area. The small table is already littered with books, crayons, and the like. I watch Riley start coloring before I gingerly sit on the stool beside her.Immediately, she giggles. “You’re too big for the chair, Luke.”I grin. “It’s okay. I just want to watch you.”She finishes coloring and starts on some math problems. I wait for her to ask for help. But she doesn’t. Realizing my presence might be a detriment more than anything, I carefully stand
I curl my hand inward until his head tilts just a little bit to rest on it. Luke emits a longer sigh, his weariness visible. But he doesn't even care about that.The guy who acts out in front of everyone, sometimes even to patients, has a good heart. I've seen glimpses of it throughout our interactions and the way he treats Riley, but I guess I've been holding back from fully seeing this side of him. He's also just human-the type who, at the end of the day, feels for his patients and gets affected by their condition no matter how hard he tries to separate himself from them.It's this understanding that propels me forward until I'm no longer just cupping his cheek but hugging him, too. I can sense his surprise from his sudden tension, but it's gone in a blink as his arms wrap around me. I know I'm the one comforting him, but the warmth he emits is a source of comfort for me, too."Liv...what is this?"His voice is gruff and just a little bit confused."I just thought you needed a hug."
OliviaI pace the office, done with work, and find myself stuck with nothing to do. I’m sure many people would kill for that problem, but without anything to do, my mind can’t help running a mile a minute as I wait for the person I need to speak with the most.I jump at the knock on the door, then turn to Wanda as she peeks in.“Hey. Wanna get some of that fresh bread down the street before we head home?”I force a smile out. “Sounds great, but I’ll have to pass. I’m staying for a bit.”“Isn’t it past your work hours?”“Yes, but I need to check in with Dr. Jennings about the surgery progress. It’s easier to record everything now than tomorrow.”She shakes her head and mutters about me working too hard, then waves and leaves. I glance at the clock. I should be going home, but it’s one of those lucky days where Nancy asked to stay longer since she needs the extra cash.But as it turns out, I don’t have to wait long as Luke walks in a few minutes later, already scrubbed down.I already h
Luke“If I didn’t know better, I swear you’re acting like this because you haven’t gotten laid in a while.”Not many doctors can say that to my face, not even the hospital’s director, but I suppose Kyle Malone is an exception. He’s not a resident doctor, but he’s trusted and experienced enough that he’s become the regular go-to when we have doctors on long leaves and the hospital needs a temporary replacement.He’s also a childhood friend, who came from the same background as me and rebelled from his wealthy family to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor, which his family considered beneath him.“I’m just knee-deep in work, that’s all.”Kyle raises a brow. “When you’re that overloaded, you’re usually snapping at everyone and acting like a grump, not mooning over your desk with bags under your eyes. What’s up?”Okay, so there’s no denying that I’ve been sleepless lately. And when I do sleep, it’s filled with dreams—and let’s just say those dreams are too raunchy to be said out loud. B
"It's the one talent Riley didn't inherit from me.""What about art? Did she inherit that from you?"I look up, surprised that he remembers me mentioning it years ago. I shake my head. "It's too early to tell. But so far, she's not interested in doodling.""I see. Do you still draw? Or paint?""Sometimes. When I'm stressed or when there's time.""Are you stressed lately?"I nod. "Yeah, but I don't have time to draw or paint.""Too bad. I would have liked to see your work."Right. He doesn't know that my work is available to the public-or at least, samples are available online, as well as some finished works for people to purchase or check out should they want to commission me. I debate telling him about it, but my decision is waylaid when one of his hands leaves my waist and takes my hand."Luke?""You've got callouses. I never noticed. This is an artist's hand."I suck in a breath when he caresses my fingertips, specifically the callouses on them. It's supposed to be nothing but an o
Olivia"How is she?"I close the bedroom door quietly and turn to Nancy, Riley's babysitter for the past three months. She's wonderful at it and I've had no complaints. But she's also young, just recently eighteen, and I know the situation rattled her a bit."She's fine. The fever's gone now, actually, and I think it started going down right after you called me." I smile in reassurance. "You did a good job giving her medicine and that warm bath."Nancy eyes my smile, then sighs in relief. "Oh, thank goodness. I was nervous. I don't usually get nervous since I've had plenty of experience babysitting, but I think this is the first time someone had a fever under my watch. Since you're a medical assistant, I thought I should call you and let you know in case it's something more serious.""It's probably just the weather, but I'll monitor her. Don't worry about it. You can go home, Nancy. Same time tomorrow?""Of course."I walk her to the door, appreciating her more for admitting her nerve