“Fuck off.”
I think about the exam room. The way her hands shook when she touched me. The way she saidit meant something to me toolike it was being torn out of her.
"Yeah," I say. "She knows."
"And?"
"And there are rules." I scrub a hand over my face. "Regulations. She could lose her job if anyone found out we were... involved. It’s not a great look for me either."
"So don't get involved." Jackson shrugs. "Find someone else. There are plenty of women out there who don't come with a career-ending asterisk. Maybe return a glance at a bar every now and then."
He's right. I know he's right. The smart thing would be to walk away and let Serena live her life. I should stick with someone uncomplicated. But the thought of having some other man wrap his hands around her body makes my jaw clench.
"I can't." The words come out rough. "I've tried. Every time I close my eyes, she's there. Every time I turn a corner, I'm hoping it's her. It’s sick and I can’t shake it.”
Jackson is quiet for a long moment. Then he lets out a low whistle.
"Damn, brother. You've got it bad."
"Yeah." I stare at the table. "I guess I do."
"You know what's wild?" He shakes his head slowly. "It's like someone flipped a switch. Like you're a whole different person."
I roll my eyes as I get to my feet. I’ve had enough of this bullshit. Jackson doesn’t stop. He talks at me relentlessly as I make my way to the door. I can’t hear him though, I’m too busy trying to make sense of what’s happening to me.
This thing with Serena is different. It's the kind of feeling that rewrites everything you thought you knew about yourself. It’s ridiculous. But it might be love. Love. The word surfaces in my mind, and I don't push it away.
Is that what this is? After one night? After a handful of conversations? It shouldn't be possible. It doesn't make any sense. But it is. And I have no fucking idea what to do about it.
I see her again at lunch.
She's sitting with a group of nurses in the corner of the mess hall, picking at a salad and laughing at something one of them said. The sound hits me like a punch to the chest. It’s light and warm. It sounds distinctly different from the serious woman I've been chasing all week.
She should laugh more.I want to be the reason she laughs.
As if she can feel me watching, her eyes lift and find mine across the room. Everything else disappears in an instant. The noise, the people, and the risks dissolve. It's just her and me and the electricity crackling between us like a live wire. But then the laughter dies on her lips.
One of the other nurses leans in and says something to her. A guy. Young, decent-looking, with the kind of easy smile that probably works on most women. Something hot and ugly twists in my gut.
Don't even think about it.
Serena nods politely at whatever he said. But her eyes flick back to me, just for a second, and I see it flash across her face. It’s the same pull I’m feeling.
She's mine, and she knows it.
The male nurse says something else leaning closer. I watch his hand drift toward her arm. My vision narrows and my fingers curl into fists under the table.
Touch her. I dare you. Give me a reason.
But Serena shifts away putting space between them without making a scene. It’s subtle and instinctive. She gathers her tray and stands. There’s a polite smile to the group and then she heads for the exit.
She doesn't look back at the nurse. But she looks back at me. It’s only for one heartbeat, but I notice the corner of her mouth twitch.
She knows exactly what she's doing to me.And she likes it.
Serena disappears through the doors, and I force myself to stay seated and breathe.
But I'm already counting the hours until I can see her again. Then I'm on my feet before I realize what I'm doing.
