Michael"Damn it!" I swore as I put on my shirt, wondering how I had found myself in this situation again.Jade and I were like two magnets drawn to each other, and I needed that to stop. Seeing her so vulnerable had stirred something within me, and I had lost control. But I knew she wasn't to be trusted, and I needed to maintain my distance. I returned to the room and found her sitting on the other couch, looking like I had wounded her.The couch we had just made love on now felt like some crime scene, and I avoided sitting down altogether. I put my hands in my pocket, unsure I could trust myself not to reach out again.My passionate kisses made her lips look swollen, and I knew there had to be marks on her neck, too. A primal urge inside me wanted to kiss every inch of her skin and leave my mark there so that she would think of me when she bathed. I wanted to cloud her thoughts as she did mine, and if that made her half as uncomfortable as it made me, then I would count it a win.We
JadeMy stomach was in knots as I left Michael's hotel, and I could barely breathe without feeling pain in my chest. Michael had this way of bulldozing through my emotions and reducing me to atoms, and it was a painful process to try and put myself together again. Even if I managed to do it, I would never be the same again. My peaceful life was about to change drastically, and I hadn't seen it coming.I breathed a little easier once I finally got home, the familiar space acting as an anchor. I was finally able to start sorting out my thoughts and considering my options.I couldn't think of anything or anyone to help me out of this except Sage. I dialed her number, and she answered on the first ring."Hey, sis," she said cheerfully."Hey, can we talk?""Sure. I don't think I can read one more line from this humongous textbook," Sage laughed but sobered up when I didn’t laugh with her. “Jade, what’s wrong?”"Robin's father is threatening to take him from me," I said, going straight to t
MichaelI groaned when I heard the sound of drilling. Our new offices were still getting some final touches, and I regretted not working out of my hotel for the rest of the day. It seemed like there was always just one thing left, and the technicians setting up our network needed to speed it the hell up. I rubbed my temples and looked at Daisy, who seemed unbothered by everything. She was focused on something on her laptop and didn't break rhythm as she drank her coffee.How was I supposed to get any work done with all this damn noise?! I had been managing fine with all the work before, but today it felt worse—a little more distracting than usual. I was going through the factory's final blueprints, and it seemed like I had been staring at the same page for an hour now. The lines were starting to merge, and it looked more like a maze than designs for one of the most high-tech buildings we had ever worked on."Are we still constructing something? It feels like they are taking the buildi
She wore a jumpsuit that fit her well, showing off her curves. Her hair was in her usual ponytail but looked curled and beautifully styled. She had very little makeup, a little touch to the eyes, and a light hint of lip gloss. It was difficult not to look at her when she looked so damn appetizing, but a part of me knew that I would have wanted her even if she showed up in a trash bag. I reminded myself why she was here, and it was not to end up naked on my couch like last time. I was still mad at her, but we had to start acting like two parents."You are welcome, by the way." She started, taking a sip from her glass.I frowned in confusion. "Welcome?""That's just a response to 'thank you for coming, Jade.'""And why should I thank you for coming here?""Because after the way you treated me, I shouldn't even be here. Speaking of which, you can also throw an apology in there while we are at it.""I'm not sorry for anything, so you can stop waiting for an apology and enjoy the food."Sh
Jade"Hey, stranger."I smiled as I heard Jordan's voice, sunny as usual. We hadn't talked in a few months, but he usually checked in on me occasionally, even though we had broken up for quite some time. We hadn't worked out, but we had remained good friends, and it was nice hearing from him. The call was also a welcome break from the conversation with Michael."I could say the same about you," I replied. "How have you been?""You know me, always busy. But I made time just for you today, so you're welcome."I laughed. "Thank you for thinking of me, oh great and busy one."Jordan managed his family's two restaurants and cafes and was one of the most hardworking people I knew. He'd helped me once by offering me a job when I really needed it, and it was then that our friendship blossomed."Speaking of being busy, I could use your help with the new cafe I'm trying to open. I'm behind schedule and don't know anyone more effective than you. Are you open to taking on some part-time work?"Th
MichaelToday was the day, and I couldn't help but feel slightly nervous. I had tried to be as casual as possible in jeans and a t-shirt, which was silly because it wasn't like a six-year-old would judge me for my dress. There was probably nothing I could do or prepare to meet my son for the first time, but I still tried. I bought a couple of puzzles since Jade said he liked those and a soccer ball.I had given my driver the day off and regretted it when I started driving. It would have been good to have the extra time to calm myself on the way to Jade's. Now I had to focus on the road while a million scenarios went through my head. What if Robin didn't like me? Sure, we'd met before and had a good conversation, but that had been before he knew that I was his father. What if he asked me where I had been all these years? I didn't know how to answer that. Damn it. Maybe I should have discussed all of this with Jade beforehand.She told me that Robin was ready to meet me and everything w
Robin excitedly grabbed my hand and led me back to the living room. I watched him as he pushed his stool in place before sitting down. When Robin began playing, I was blown away. He was phenomenal! Robin wasn't just capable of playing; he was born for it. I couldn't believe that his little fingers were moving that fast or how he even remembered which key to press and when. Robin was simply a genius. When he finished, I gave him a high five and couldn't stop beaming with pride."That was amazing!" I exclaimed, but he looked at me like it was no big deal.We spent the next fifteen minutes talking about his friends and school until Jade joined us. I gave Robin his gift, and he insisted we start working on a puzzle immediately. We had a lot of fun working on that until his eyelids started getting heavy. It didn't take him long to fall asleep where he sat, his arms and head on the table."It was reallyhard getting him to sleep last night; he was so excited about meeting you," Jade whispere
JadeIt felt like I hadn't taken a break for the past few days, and I sighed in relief as I tilted my neck and massaged it. My whole body was on fire, but it was all worth it knowing that the extra income would cover a lot. Not only did I need to help my sister, but I had just received an email from Robin's school with another list of things he needed, which meant I needed more money to get them for him. I contemplated asking Michael for some help, but I couldn't muster the courage to go through with it. We needed to have the financial talk at some point, but it felt too soon for me. Michael and I hadn't found that even ground yet."Am I working you too hard?"Jordan's voice startled me out of my thoughts, and I turned around to look at him. He wore his usual uniform: black jeans, a white shirt, and a black apron. It was a simple look on anyone, but he somehow looked like a million dollars in it."Sorry, just having one of those days. But I'm done here for today, getting ready to head
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