Dr. Carrington—Elias—drags Jared through the restaurant, bumping tables. “Apologies. Sorry. Just cleaning up the space.” He gives everyone a kind smile while Jared tries to dislodge himself from his hold.
I always love when a man becomes a protector.
Great, now I’m crushing on the new doctor.
“Olivia. Jesus, are you okay? We came from the bar as soon as we saw.”
Dr. Warrick’s voice has me turning my head. I’m blinking at him, surprised that he’s here. That they both are here. This is even worse. My boss just saw the worst date of my life and Dr. Carrington tackled him to the ground.
The waiter opens the front door, allowing Elias to toss my date outside as if he weighs nothing.
I shouldn’t be attracted to that. I shouldn’t, but I am. I very much am. My crush solidifies. Working in the same space as Elias will be difficult going forward. He’s just my type too.
Older.
Smart.
Handsome.
Salt-and-pepper.
Sex on a damn stick that I just want to nom, nom, nom.
Focus, Olivia. Focus.
“This isn’t a fireable offense, right? This is outside working hours.”
Dr. Warrick’s concern dissipates with a huff. “No, Olivia. You aren’t getting fired.” He reaches for my hand. “May I?”
I nod, hissing when he turns my arm over to examine my wrist. There’s a red mark circling my wrist. It’s thin, but it might bruise.
A shadow falls over us and when I turn to see who it is, it’s Elias, staring down at my arm with fury.
“He left a mark? Are you fucking kidding me? Are you okay, Olivia?” He takes my hand gently from Winston, his thumb brushing over the red, abused skin.
I hold my breath with every swipe of his touch against me. Warmth floods my veins, swimming its way to my mind, numbing my ability to think clearly. His fingers are long and thick, firm yet they hold a surprisingly gentle caress I wasn’t expecting.
Sparks ignite between his fingers and my arm. A static that tingles throughout my body.
“Considering I’m the general surgeon, I’d say her wrist is fine. It might be sore. Maybe ice it,” Winston adds. “I didn’t realize he had such a strong grip on you. I saw you earlier and thought everything was going well. I wish I would have known and thiswouldn’t have happened.” He frowns, staring at the simple red bruise forming.
I place my hand on his shoulder. “Winston, you couldn’t have known. It’s okay. I’m not dying. I’m not in pain. He was an asshole. I’m over it. That’s what I get for dating. I think next time, I’ll need to bring pepper spray or something.”
Winston snaps his fingers. “Yes. That’s a great idea. I’ll fill your desk with some tomorrow. Since I can’t be on every date to protect you, the spray will have to do.” His phone rings and he checks the screen to see who’s calling. “I have to take this. Let’s grab a booth and salvage the rest of the evening. Let’s not let that asshole ruin a good night. Excuse me.” He places the phone against his ear, grinning. “Hey, Love Dove. Let me find a quieter area.”
They are so sickeningly in love. It’s…well…sickening. In a really sweet way that I’m completely jealous of.
“You sure you’re okay?” Elias asks, his thumb still rubbing back and forth over the bruised flesh. “I can take you home if you want. I’d understand if you want to call it a night.”
“You’d take me home? Why? I can get a cab.”
He flinches as if I hit him. “I’m going to make sure you get homesafe.” He continues to touch me, adding small delicate circles to the pattern he’s making on my wrist.
His eyes lift to meet mine, the robin’s-egg blue color entrancing me into his gaze. I almost feel hypnotized, unaware that I’m stepping closer to him.
“That’s kind of you,” I say, a bit breathless. “I’m going to take Winston’s offer. I’m not ready for the night to end. Plus, it takes too long to get ready. I might as well make use of the outfit.”
“You should. You look gorgeous, Olivia.” His eyes fall from my eyes to my lips, then back up again.
