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.
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
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
Luke"I'm not going to lie, I was expecting you to go a different route. You know, the typical fancy dinner in a fancy restaurant, with you showing off your knowledge of wines and some menu that I can't even pronounce."Olivia's tone is laced with humor, and I can't help but laugh. Then I shake my head as I guide her inside the movie theater, where the carpets are lush, and the most lit area is the concession stand."To be fair, I've taken most of my dates to fancy restaurants, but I want it to be different for us."Curiosity shines in her eyes as she looks around before we stop at the concession stand. It's a long area filled with glass displays of goods and a menu on the wall. I wait for her to read everything."Wait...shouldn't they just offer stuff like popcorn, candies, and soda? They have quite a variety of food." She then glances from side to side. "And where is everyone?"I bite back a grin. "Don't be mad, but I kind of rented the whole place for the night so we could have it
I nod, not about to tell her that I'm confident there will be. I can see the clear enjoyment on her face as we stroll toward the flowers, which are even more beautiful up close. When the breeze picks up and she shivers, I remove my coat and place it over her shoulders, then openly appreciate her dress."You know what my new favorite is?"Olivia sends me a curious look. "What?"I wink. "Black dresses. Specifically, you in them."She laughs hard, and it's the most melodic sound there is. I rub her shoulders to add an extra layer of warmth, but really, it's just an excuse to pull her closer to me.And when she doesn't protest, I can't think of a more perfect date than this.When I walk Olivia to her doorstep, I thank her for spending the night with me and for giving me a chance. Her smile turns shy."I should be the one thanking you, Luke. You made so much effort and I like how we spent the date.""You do?""Yeah. It was pretty amazing."I can't help but agree. Then I can't help looking
Olivia“This is completely unprofessional. We’ve scheduled this checkup for days, and he should be here on time.”Bryan Wells looks at me like it’s my fault, his scowl darkening his features. I don’t know what to say. I’ve already informed him that Luke’s in the middle of an emergency surgery and it’s running longer than anticipated due to some complications—and we already informed Bryan this morning, too, which makes this the second time.I clear my throat and try again.“I’m sorry about this, Mr. Wells. We didn’t expect Dr. Jennings to handle a surgery today, but it can’t be postponed. Rest assured, though, that he will cater to you first thing as soon as the new appointment is set. If you could kindly tell me when you are available again?—”“I’m available now. I came here expecting the checkup now.”I pause. “This morning, we sent you an email informing you about the situation and?—”“Are you his secretary?”I blink, not missing the condescending tone. My shoulders stiffen, but I k
LukeI don’t know why I’m nervous about showing off my property in the Hamptons when I’ve been showing it off for as long as I can remember. But then again, I’ve been showing it off to childhood friends who have properties sprinkled around the area and are used to this kind of lifestyle. And I’ve never taken my dates here, deeming them too casual to bring somewhere this personal.Olivia and Riley are a different matter because…well, they’re different. I can sense their awe the moment I give them a tour of the mansion, with Riley bouncing around with barely-contained energy and Olivia acting more subdued. When I finally show Riley her bedroom, her face lights up and she runs into my arms so I can lift her in the air.“This is so neat! I get this room for the weekend?”I bite back a grin and nuzzle her neck. “Yes, sweetie. It’s yours for the weekend. And it’s officially yours whenever we visit this place.”I brace for Olivia’s warning look for promising things like that, but she’s fight
This one's younger. He smiles when she introduces him to Adam, but soon her attention trails to where Adam keeps glancing: me. Carol's eyes widen before she kisses Adam's cheek and saunters toward me.I catch Adam shooting me an apologetic look-a silent message that he didn't mean for her to be here. Then Carol's blocking my view of him as she plants herself in front of me, a wry smile on her face."My, my. First, I wasn't told there would be a party, then I wasn't told who would be here. How long has it been, Luke?"Her casual tone and carefree attitude make me wary, but I match her energy and answer casually."I don't remember. I haven't really thought about it."I don't mean it as sarcasm because it's true. I realize I haven't thought about her in a long time. In fact, there's no prick in my heart at the sight of her like there used to be as if she's just a stranger now-or a longtime acquaintance who doesn't matter that much anymore.Carol, however, takes it as sarcasm and laughs,
- LukeSix Months Later..."Baby, hurry. I don't want to tear your lace, but for the love of God, I'm hurting so badly."Olivia laughs at my whining, but she might as well have stroked my cock with how throaty and aroused her voice sounds. Her hands are frantic as they unhook her lace garter and finally lift her skirt, which now poofs around us like a peacock. Then her panties are there for the taking, and I do the only thing possible with my antsy fingers.She gasps. "Oh, my God. You ripped it-oh, my God."I smirk when those words turn into a moan as soon as I sink my cock inside her. But my smirk soon dies when we're rocking into each other with no pause, already too turned on to take it slow. I've been hard since I first saw her in her wedding dress, a lovely creature who got me harder with every smile and happy look she sent my way.Don't get me wrong; standing in front of the altar with her, exchanging the most intimate and heartfelt vows, was awe-inspiring. But a man has his lim
God. It's like getting whiplash. "You what? Luke..."He shrugs. "It's the best hospital in the state for me, but I'm fine working in other places since they also offer great facilities. I have connections and I can still land on my own two feet. That's what power does and I've decided to wield it. But that power, it doesn't matter, Liv. I could have no hospital accepting me right now, and I would still choose to step back.""Luke..." Because he loves me. But I still ask, anyway. "Why?"Just like that, the intensity in his eyes magnify into such pure light, the love clear and bright. I stagger from the emotions brimming from him and sweeping me off my feet, even more so when he finally answers."Because I don't mind losing the job, Liv, or my career. But I can't stand the thought of losing you."I open my mouth, but no words come out. Luke doesn't seem to mind as he ambles closer until there are only inches of space between us. I know the moment he inhales my scent because it sets my s
And her text makes so much more sense now.Still, I can't stop staring. Neither can Luke as he shoots up from his chair at my entrance, those dark eyes trailing from my head to toe-no, devouring me. My heart spikes and my breathing stutters, trying to comprehend his presence and the pure magnetism that I've been absent from in...gosh, has it only been two weeks?It feels longer. It's my first time seeing him since our confrontation at my apartment door, where he was brimming with outrage and despair. But all I see now, aside from those devouring eyes, are the bags under them, the hollowness of his cheeks, the gauntness of his features.Worry sweeps in. I take a step closer before I can think about it. "What's wrong? Why do you look like that?"He blinks. "Like what?""Like you haven't gotten any sleep and..."I trail off when his jaw clenches and his muscles tense, disbelief sparking on his face. "You really have to ask?" A short laugh comes out, jolting my stomach before he's back wi
Olivia"Mom, will Dad no longer come over to spend the night?"I've been waiting for Riley to ask that question and the day has finally come. I close my eyes briefly, gathering strength behind my lids before I open them and face her curiosity. There's no sadness there-thankfully, because Luke has been doing his best to call her whenever he can and assure her how excited he is over their next playdate.And me?Let's just say I've been trying not to listen in and hear his voice because hearing his voice sends a deep ache inside me that practically turns me inconsolable. Especially at night.But Riley's no fool. We might be shielding her as much as we can, but she still picks up on things, much like she picked up on Luke being her father before we were even ready to tell her. She studies me now, waiting for my response and probably prepared with more questions."I'm afraid he's very busy lately, sweetie, so he might not spend the night here as much. Or at all. But you can spend the night
He means it in a work-related manner, I think, but my heart sees it differently-and just like that, it cracks again, reality hitting me so hard that my knees almost buckle. I manage to control myself in front of Kyle, though, and jerk toward the door."Stop gossiping and go do your thing.""If you mean charming the hospital staff and other patients, sure. By the way, just because I can't stand your patients doesn't mean they hate me. On the contrary...""Steal them all you want."He chuckles, understanding I don't mean that. Despite what he says, I do like most of my patients. But the memory of the patients that I don't like reminds me of the patient who was rude to Olivia-and just like that, she's in my orbit again and I'm a miserable fool.I strap it all down and get to work. My mood doesn't improve when I find out that James isn't in today and all HR can say is that Olivia's resignation was cleared by the director before it even got to them. When I reach one of the staff lounges an
If her first words hit me hard, the next ones hit me harder."That you are too much. That I'm not ready for whatever this is. That I want to chase my dreams and you are kind of?-"She stops, but it's too late. I rear back, hearing what she's not saying, and punched with the truth I hear in it. But it's the detached way she handles the aftermath that truly sinks in for me-like she's gotten over it already.Like she's gotten over me.A cold sensation wraps around my spine before it spreads throughout the rest of my body."So it was just sex to you?"She opens her mouth, then closes it. I latch on to the movement, an ache pulling at my system before I get hit with reality."We had an attraction, Luke. It's not your fault that I want nothing to do with it anymore."Had. Past tense.God. She sounds fucking cold."And the resignation?"She shrugs. "I got a good offer elsewhere. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but it's a good thing. We both get a clean slate.""And you fucking decided al
LukeIwish Olivia would answer at least one of my texts. I know she’s probably busy with work already, but I miss her so much and would like some time with her before my schedule today swallows me up. Because fate seems to be working against that little reunion, I hurry to the hospital instead, comforted with the knowledge that at least I’ll get a glimpse of her—maybe even steal a kiss or two—before I head to my first surgery assessment of the day.But I’m stopped short when I don’t find her in the office. Instead, I find Wanda seated in Olivia’s chair and typing on the keyboard.“Wanda? How can I help you?”She shoots up at my presence, attempting a smile but not quite genuine with it. She studies my confused expression and looks confused, too, before that disappears and she clears her throat.“Dr. Jennings. I’m just finishing up a report that you’re tasked to read later—additional notes for your patient appointment this afternoon…”I shake my head, not quite understanding. “No, I me
OliviaI’m still on a high from a rather successful weekend, one that I didn’t expect to turn out the way it did. Not only did I secure four of the six clients, all of whom don’t care how long it will take me to paint them a piece of my artwork since they’re casual collectors, but I’ve also secured a deal with Jennifer, who agreed to display my sketches in the meantime until I can provide her with paintings. It still feels surreal, but I’m no longer nervous or hesitant about this.I’m excited. I didn’t think I would get this excited over a side gig, but it’s like a distant dream making its way to the center of my life and reminding me that it’s still achievable even if I’m already achieving another dream. It makes me feel invincible—because if I can conquer this, I can conquer anything.Like telling Luke how you truly feel about him.Yes. Exactly that.“Liv? Good, you’re early. I’ve been told you need to go to the director’s office right away. Something about your tenure.” Rose Sutton
In fact, quitting her seems impossible and I can almost say with certainty that I want to keep her for as long as possible. Our relationship is progressing nicely and we're starting to fit perfectly into each other's lives. No, we already fit, like two people who seamlessly click like a puzzle piece. Sure, it took a while to get us there after our rough patch, but after that..."I'm happy, too." She sighs. "But I'm also trying not to hope too much. I want this to be an inspiration, not a distraction, so I hope the clients will make reasonable demands.""Just remember that at the end of the day, you're the one in control, not them. Give them your timeframe. You'll be surprised how patient people can be."Just like me with her. Except my patience is wearing thin.I know I said I don't ever want to commit again after the failure that was my relationship with Carol, but Olivia is right. I'm not the same man I was before-and Olivia is different. At the end of the day, I have to ask myself