RexI rake my hand through my hair one more time, the gift bag knocking me in the head as I do so. Don't have enough hands for the flowers, the present, and a last-minute touch-up to the hair. Can't help it though. Force of habit.I'm standing at the front door of Isabella's house which is a short drive from the motel I'm staying at for the next week. Maybe longer if things go well and, damn, I hope they do.Though all the houses in the subdivision look about the same, Isabella's sticks out because the door has been painted green and a big crucifix hangs on it. I can almost hear the squabble that must have gone down between Isabella and Marisol over it.I lift my finger to the doorbell but don't press it.There's no way to prepare for a moment like this. I mean, I've tried. I made sure to get some nicer clothes than the bag of Walmart bullshit Mickey picked up for me when I was leaving the hospital, spent a profound amount on the flowers for Marisol, and the gift for Leo. I know nothi
He's a lady killer too. I guess it is genetic."Yes, it is." I hold the bag out toward him. "I hope you like it. I wasn't sure what you liked, so I got you a few things."Leo takes the bag from me, heavy and unwieldy enough that it's hard for him to keep up off the ground. "Thank you. Can I open it?""I think that's up to your mother," I say and give her the same batting of the eyelashes.Isabella's distance melts and she laughs. "Oh God, I'm –" Totally fucked, I bet is what she'd like to say. "Of course, sweetie, let's go sit down."What follows is almost as good as Christmas. Leo takes out each gift with an open-mouthed smile, looking to his mom in shock, then to me like I'm...I won't cry.Once the last present is out of the bag, Leo stacks up his haul on the coffee table in perfect order, making sure all the corners are squared. He lets out a satisfied sigh and then says, "Wow. I didn't expect this."My mouth quirks to the side."That was far too generous, Rex," Isabella says."Ah
IsabellaI never imagined Leo and Rex together. To protect myself.Okay, that's not true.I've blocked the imaginings out. They happened constantly while I was pregnant and even more often than that when Leo was a newborn. Seeing anyone hold Leo, I'd get a flash of what it might be like to see Rex hold Leo.He might not have been ready to be a dad. But I don't know if it's fair that I've assumed he'd have been a bad one.Because as I watch Rex and Leo building this Lego set from the next room, listening to the way they negotiate the pieces and the moments they talk about life and the way they can make each other laugh...It's clear I've made a mistake."A piece of him," my mother says in Spanish, her hand on my shoulder.I don't shrug her off the way I have so many times when she's mentioned Rex. The mentions are sparing over the years because she knows how it upsets me. "A man deserves the opportunity to become a father," she told me. And when I'd inevitably blow up at her, she'd add
I can't suppress my smile. "I guess we didn't really spend a lot of time doing things that weren't...""Depraved?"I gawp. "Depraved?! You make it sound like we were committing ritual sacrifice when you say it like that."He pulls our clasped hands into his lap. They rest on the warmth of his thighs. "Well, it wasn't innocent, how about that?"My heart rate quickens. "No, I suppose not.""I can't imagine how scared you must have been.""I wasn't," I say.He rolls his eyes. "Liar."I laugh. "Not a liar. My body was literally built to have babies, I wasn't scared.""You know I'm not just talking about having a baby. But having a child. The whole thing.""Fair. I'll give you that."Rex shifts in his seat, closer to the window. We're mere inches apart. I keep my eyes downcast on our hands.Fuck. I feel it again. That unavoidable magnetism that pulled us together."Will you let me see him again?" he asks."Yeah, I mean, if you have time.""'Course I got fucking time for him."I feel a pang
Rex“Do I really have to be business casual?” I ask, staring at the sports coat in Isabella’s hand.We’re at the Ocotillo Valley Mall. Yep, a real, honest-to-goodness mall. Didn’t know these things still existed quite like this one. There’s a food court, a Spencer’s and a whole jungle gym for kids to trade germs back and forth.Just like the good old days.Of course, we’re not doing anything fun at the mall, just sorting through suit jackets that I know are all going to be just a little too short on my torso and show too much of my wrist.“Yes.”“You know, we’re not going to fool anyone with the whole ‘business dad’ thing…” I say, clocking some teen girls hiding with their phones out across the store from us. I’ve tried my best to blend in with a baseball cap and a simple black tee, but apparently, I didn't do enough to hide my rockstar vibe.“I’m not trying to fool anyone,” Isabella says. “You’re his dad. And you take his education seriously. I don’t go to meetings in scrubs. I dress
IsabellaLeo's hand feels weird in mine with my rings on.Yes. My fake wedding rings.I can't believe I let Rex talk me into it. Actually, I can. Because that man has always made me act in ways inexplicable to my character. Case and point, the tattoo I never thought I'd get. Leaving my own birthday party for sex, leaving work early for sex, introducing him to my mother even though we knew we weren't going to last.Rex Redford is the human form of ambrosia. Addictive and delicious.And man is he addictive and delicious looking in the suit we bought for him. I bought two sensible versions of it. Gray. Brown.Of course, he went for the burgundy.Somehow, he's made a ready-to-wear department store suit look like a million bucks.The three of us hurry up the steps of Tremain Day School and through the huge wooden doors."It's like a castle," Leo whispers to me."Yeah, it is, isn't it?" It does. A castle in the middle of the California desert. Slate gray tiled floors, tapestries on the wall
The headmistress puts on a pair of tiny, wire-framed glasses and pulls out a notepad.And thus begins the interview."So, Dr. Delgado. You're a doctor of –""I'm an emergency room doctor," I say softer than I mean to.The headmistress hums. "That must be difficult."I shrug. "I'm used to it.""Don't be so modest, Isabella," Rex says, taking my left hand in his right, stroking his thumb across the rings.Okay, now he's laying it on a little thick."And what about you, Mr. Redford?"I smile at Rex thinking, See? She isn't a fan."Um, well, I'm a musician actually.""A musician! What kind? Classical."Rex half-laughs, glances my way for some help.Nope. All you, buddy."Rock music, actually."Headmistress Rockwell's head bounces backward, her lips pursed like she's just taken a full bite of a lemon. "Rock music?""Rex is actually very successful in the music industry.""I see..." The headmistress jots something down on her notepad.Rex squeezes my hand harder. I needed that. My nerves ar
Rex"Mami, can I get a milkshake?" Leo looks up at Isabella, batting his long dark lashes.Isabella has not stopped smiling since the end of the interview. "Of course. This is a celebration," she says, scratching the hair at the back of his head."That is a lot of sugar..." Marisol clucks from beside me.Isabella shoots her mother a glare. "Mama, it's fine. Tonight is special."Marisol leans back in her chair and glances at me. "I think it's too much sugar, don't you?"I open my mouth. I don't have a horse in this race, not really. I was invited to a dinner to celebrate Leo's acceptance into that bougie private school. Just because I'm here and technically his father doesn't mean I'm allowed to have an opinion. And if I am, I'm too terrified to give it when Isabella could snatch time with Leo away from me at any moment."I don't know, Marisol. A milkshake sounds really good," I say. I glance down at the diner's menu. "I might have to get one too."Marisol laughs to herself and mutters
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