“Yeah? And?”
“And…it was…”
“The blush says it all, honey. Good for you.”
We don’t talk about Cade or what happened last night again, mostly because the moment the clinic opens, we’re being pulled in every which direction. Dr. Liu, the gastroenterologist, arrives and from the first moment I met her, I can tell she’s a delight. She’s young and energetic, and even though I’m not her nurse directly, I can tell her patients connect and respect her.
I remain in complete professional mode the entire morning, speaking politely to Lance, but refusing to engage any further than what is deemed necessary. When he steps in a little too closely in the hallway, I do my best to sidestep away, always keeping as much distance as possible. He realizes his nearness is a problem for me, I’m sure of it, because he always wears a faint smirk on his smug-ass face. It makes me want to punch it off him.
Or let Allison kick him in the balls.
Just before noon, Allison catches me at the nurses’ station while I’m sending in a prescription. “Everything going okay?”
“Yep,” I reply, eyes on my screen while I complete the refill request.
“I’m ordering a sandwich from Mario’s. Do you want anything?”
I instantly recall the deliciousness Cade and I had when he took me to the pizza joint, and my stomach growls. “I’d love something from there,” I tell her.
She slides a notepad to me. “Write down your order and I’ll call it in. I have to stop by the pharmacy and grab something, so I’ll pick them all up.”
“Sounds good,” I reply, reaching for the notepad and scratching down what I want. I opt for a personal pan pizza with veggies and a side salad, even though I would much rather have Mario’s freshly baked breadsticks. I skip a drink, knowing I have a few cans of something caffeinated, as well as some bottled water, in the mini fridge behind me.
“Oaklee, you have a delivery,” Becky says from the doorway, catching my attention.
There’s a little extra spring in my step as I head to the front office to see what Cade sent. Because, if I know anything, it’s that whatever has arrived is from the man I’ve been spending my free time with.
When I reach the office, I spot a vase sitting on the counter with a single flower inside. It’s a gorgeous pink lily that smells amazing and draws a smile to my lips. Collecting the vase, I return to my workstation quickly without asking any questions once more, despite the fact Becky was staring at me, waiting on me to comment.
Setting the vase by my computer, I grab the card wrapped around the vase.
Just a simple hello. Hope your day is as beautiful as you. ~C
Warmth spreads through my body, landing firmly between my legs. I’ve replayed everything that happened last night over and over again, remembering what it felt like to have his fingers rubbing against my clit. Even through my panties, it felt better than almost every other sexual encounter I’ve ever had. It makes me wonder how amazing it would be without all the clothing barriers. What if we were both naked? What if he was hovering above me, slowly sliding that big cock of his inside me for the first time? My nipples tingle with desire, and I can practically feel his thumb rubbing across each hard bud.
“Oaklee?”
I spin toward the entryway, startled by the sudden appearance of Lance. “What?”
He glances at the flower first before slowly meeting my gaze. “Delivery?”
Clearing my throat, I nod. “Yes.”
He doesn’t say anything for a few seconds, making those seconds feel much longer than they are. “Are you seeing someone?” he finally asks, crossing his arms over his chest and taking a defensive stance.
“That’s none of your business,” I reply, standing up and preparing to finish up my final patient for the morning.
“Actually, it is…if you were seeing someone before we ended our relationship.” His tone is snarky and accusing, and it immediately puts me on edge.
“I’d never do that,” I state pointedly. “I’m not you.”
He tsks. “Don’t play the victim, Oaklee. You were just as much a problem in our relationship.”
“You’re right, I was. I kept going back to you, and I gave up valuable time in my life to be with you. Fortunately, that’s something I don’t have to ever worry about again.”
He opens his mouth and takes a step forward, prepared to say something that will most likely be insulting or degrading. It wouldn’t be the first time. He plays dirty and fights to win before eventually switching gears and turning on the charm in apology.
“You are finished with the patient in Room 3, correct? I’m sure she’s more than ready to leave. Do you have any orders for me?” I ask, biting back the hatred I feel for this man.
