MichaelSomething about seeing Jade standing there in her pajama bottoms and looking so upset compelled me to let her in. I was still angry because of everything that had happened, but I calmed myself enough to listen. She had made an effort to come to me so late, and the least I could do was listen."Where's Robin?" I asked as we sat."Home with Tammie," she replied, wrapping her arms around herself.I grabbed the remote and turned up the temperature."What my father did was inexcusable," she began. "And I'm sorry you were all caught up in that."I didn't understand why anyone would call someone they didn't even know to ask for money; it didn't make sense to me. There was no way he would have my phone number unless Jade had given it to him. It still didn't add up, so I had to ask."How does he even have my phone number?"Jade sighed. "He stole your contact from my sister. My father has been troubled since my mother died. At first, we thought he was having trouble processing everythin
Jade shook her head and started eating her cereal. "This is the most normal people thing I've seen you do.""Maybe you need to get to know me a little more."This felt dangerously close to the twenty questions we had attempted to play the first night we met. But it was the middle of the night, and there was no better time to make bad decisions."Were you home-schooled?"She asked with a grin. "Had different tutors flown in every day?"I laughed and shook my head. "Nope. Went to a boys preparatory school."Jade burst into laughter and pointed at me with her spoon. "You are so hopeless! And what did they 'prepare'you to be, huh? A jerk?""I'll have you know it's one of the best schools in the world. I bet Robin would love it there too."She rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out. "You might be right. Then he can be perfectly posh too, just like his daddy.""Your son plays violin;it doesn't get any posher than that," I pointed out.She laughed before asking."What were you doing when you
Jade"I need new clothes," I said with a sigh, looking at the small pile of clothes I had taken from my wardrobe."I've been telling you that for years!" Tammie exclaimed, making me laugh.We had been video chatting, and I had asked her for help picking out a cute outfit. Something that told Michael that I was open to him making another move but didn't want to seem too eager."How about this one?" I asked, holding a top against my chest."Nah, too bland."She said that about every outfit until we got to a cute floral dress that might or might not have belonged to her. She had left it on one of her visits, and I was now claiming it as mine. Once I got the stamp of approval, I hung up and got ready. Michael was coming to pick Robin up for the day, and I wanted to look my best when he came. We hadn't managed to talk much since the amazing night we had spent together, but I was hopeful that this could be the start of something new.Robin was ready and waiting impatiently in the living roo
MichaelI tightened my grip on the steering wheel and watched as Jade's boss once again walked her out. Correction, Jade'sex-boyfriend. From where I was sitting, this guy behaved a lot like an ex who wanted to be back in Jade's life, and I was starting to suspect that this whole job thing was just a ruse to win Jade back. What kind of boss walked his employee out in broad daylight?Why did I even care? Jade and I were not in a relationship. We were great together in bed, but that was just attraction, nothing more. Or was it? The little nagging voice in the back of my mind told me this was what jealousy felt like.I looked at the apron guy again as he placed a hand on Jade's arm before he left and wondered what was there to be jealous about. Jade had told me they had dated for a little while, but it hadn't worked out, and I believed her. I was starting to know Jade a little, and she hadn't given me any reason to think she might have any feelings for the cafe guy. But again, it didn't m
There was no mistaking what those were with the bank logo so visible in one of them. My jaw nearly dropped."Did you write her a check?" I asked in surprise.He raised his glass and drank calmly. "It was supposed to be for her sister's tuition.""Jadeis a part of this family, Grandfather, and you will afford her some respect," I snapped, my fingers tightening on Jade's hand."Are you playing house now? Surely you know what a terrible idea that is, trying to make her fit where she does not belong!"In all my life, I had never raised my voice to my grandfather, but I found myself very tempted to do so now. He was impossible, and I couldn't let him treat Jade this way."Does my son not belong here too? Because you can't tell me he does, then in the next breath, claim that the woman who raised him does not!""The woman you impregnated," he said as a point of correction."This has to stop, Grandfather." I couldn't believe what I was hearing."It's alright, Michael," Jade said as she placed
Jade"Thank you for the lovely weekend," I said as Michael prepared to leave.He had dropped us at home and stayed long enough to tuck Robin in. I could see the look on his face as he said goodnight that he wished he didn't have to leave. Something had shifted over the weekend, and it would be harder to separate father and son. I also enjoyed seeing a new side to Michael and having him defend me in front of his grandfather.I loved seeing Michael's new side, although that side makes him even sexier. I want him more now than I did when the attraction was physical."My mother will probably want to have Robin over every school holiday now," he replied with a smile."And he would love that too. You saw how much he enjoyed having a grandmother dote on him.""One weekend every holiday then, or we'll end up with a spoiled brat."I wasn't sure exactly how to say what was on my mind, so I just blurted it out."I know what your father was insinuating about Robin. He is unhappy because you have
MichaelI tapped my pen impatiently as I listened to the voice on the other end of the line. I was about to say a few choice words when I saw Robin's picture, his wide grin showing some missing front teeth. Jade had given it to me when they had moved in, and the frame had taken its rightful place on my desk. Looking at it reminded me to be nicer, even when dealing with ineffective people. Jade seemed to like the softer side of me.I foundmyself doing many things to see her smile lately, and it wasn't difficult to make Jade happy. She seemed to be this ball of infectious energy even when she'd had a long day, and I was now living to see those green eyes shining. I was excited to go home at the end of a work day for the first time in my life, and it was all because I had a family to go home to. I'd come here to grow my business, not knowing that I'd find myself where I was now. Even though it was not something I had envisioned, I was right where I belonged.I gotready to leave once I fi
JadeThe next morning seemed to come way too quickly. I woke up and groaned to the sound of the phone ringing. It was Jordan."Good morning," I answered gruffly.This response was very different from how I normally answered Jordan's phone calls, so he knew I was still slightly irritated about the confrontation between Jordan and Michael."Hi. I just wanted to call and apologize to you for what I said to Michael," he said.I could tell by his voice that the apology was sincere. However, I was also positive that he wasn't sorry for what he said to Michael but was sorry that he upset me."I appreciate your apology, and of course, I forgive you," I assured him.Accepting his apology and forgiving him didn't mean I wasn't still annoyed."We've been good friends for a long time," Jordan reminded me. "Even if we aren't dating, I still care about you and will always be here for you.""I appreciate that. However, I am really happy with Michael. The best way to be there for me is to avoid sayin
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