Sex matters in a relationship—I’m not naive. So how am I supposed to blow him away when it’s still a theory I’ve never tested?
With that thought echoing in my head, I turn off the light and drift back to sleep.
***
The smell of the training facility's industrial cleaner hits me when I arrive the next morning. I hurry to my office, a converted storage closet with a window that overlooks the parking lot. It's a space where I can lose myself in data and forget about complicated feelings for men I've never met and men I wish I didn't.
I'm reviewing cognitive assessments when a knock interrupts my thoughts.
Tyler Chen leans against my doorframe. His eyebrow scar gives him a roguish look he knows how to use. His dark hair is damp from the shower, and he's wearing jeans and a fitted t-shirt that shows off his build.
"Dr. Chandler, can I call you Ivy?"
"No, you can't call me Ivy."
"Got a minute?"
"For work-related questions, yes."
"What if it's personal?"
I don't look up from my laptop. "Then no."
He laughs, stepping inside uninvited. "You're Marcus's sister, right? That means this is work-related."
I sigh. "I'm Dr. Ivy Chandler, the biomechanics researcher. Marcus being my brother is irrelevant to my work here."
"Touchy." He holds up his hands in mock surrender. "Would you like to grab coffee sometime, maybe tomorrow?"
"That's inappropriate."
"Why? You're not my doctor. You're doing research. There's a difference."
"Mr. Chen..."
"Tyler. It's just coffee, Doc. What's the harm?"
Before I can formulate a polite rejection, another voice interrupts from the hallway.
"She said no, Ty. Back off."
Connor walks into the room, his hair falling across his face. He looks serious for once. Tyler rolls his eyes but steps toward the door.
"Whatever, man. Your loss, Dr. Chandler."
He leaves. Connor's feet shift awkwardly from one side to the other.
"Sorry about that. Ty's... well, Ty." He runs a hand through his hair. "But, uh, if you ever want to grab coffee..."
"Connor," I warn.
"Right. Yeah. Got it." He flashes those dimples anyway. "Think about it for a few days."
I want to scream. Inhaling deeply, I force a professional smile.
"Is there anything work-related I can help you with?"
"Nope. Just you know, being friendly." He nods, smiling. "Have a good day, Dr. Chandler."
