My head snaps up and I lock eyes with one of the last people I ever expected to see here. “It’s Clint, right?”
He beams. “Yup.”
“Not to be rude, but what are you doing here?”
He rocks back on his heels. “It’s actually my first day.” He hooks his thumb over his shoulder, pointing toward a janitor’s cart behind him.
It’s then I notice he’s wearing the standard issue navy coveralls all of the janitors and maintenance crew wear at Lake Fortune Obstetrics and Gynecology.
“Oh, wow. What a small world.”
“My mom always says the same thing.” The corners of his mouth twitch upwards.
“Mine too.” I laugh. “Well, congrats. I think you’ll like it here.”
“Do you?” he asks, suddenly serious.
“I do. I love it. The hours are good, and the people are even better.”
“Glad to hear it. Any tips?” He’s so adorably nervous, I can’t help but smile.
“Just don’t pilfer any of the labeled items in the fridge or snack cabinet and you’ll be golden.” I bite down on my lower lip. “Learned that lesson the hard way.”
“Duly noted.” He takes a small step backwards. “Well, I better get back to it. Wouldn’t want to make a bad first impression.”
“Definitely not.” I take another sip of my drink. “I look forward to see you around the office, Clint.”
I make a note to introduce him to Cara—you know, once she’s speaking to me again—as he saunters out into the hallway, whistling as he goes. I can’t help but feel like the two of them would really hit it off.
A small part of me wants to fire off a text apologizing for being a snot, but I’m too chickenshit to actually do it. Instead, I scroll through Picstagram.
“No.” I swipe open my text thread with Cara. “I’m not a little bitch. I’m going to own my shit.”
Me: Sorry for brushing you off earlier. I know you were just worried about me. I appreciate it… and you.
There, it’s done.
I wait a minute or two to see if she’s going to reply, but when nothing comes through, I lock my screen and slump back into my chair, wishing like hell I could snap my fingers and start my morning over.
My five-minute alarm sounds, and I stand, tossing my can into the garbage before heading to clock in.
Except two steps down the hall, my feet slide out from under me, and I go flying. I brace for impact, but strong arms wrap around me before my ass ever hits the floor.
“What in the fu?—”
“Scarlet!” I turn at the sound of Clint’s voice in my ear—and I meanrightin my ear, thanks to the way he’s gripping me around my middle and holding me close. “Are you okay?”
“Peachy,” I growl, as I try to stand on my own, but my feet once again slip out from under me.
I’m being a rotten bitch to everyone around me and I hate it. I really need to get a grip. It’s not Cara or Clint’s fault that my life is one giant clusterfuck right now.
“I’ve got you,” he murmurs, as I finally manage to right myself and push out of his embrace.
“Thanks, Clint. But maybe get a wet floor sign, too?” I grumble, torn between frustration and embarrassment. Now my ankle hurts, and I’m late clocking in. If I waste any more time here with him, I’ll put everyone behind, and the only thing worse than a grumpy doctor is grumpy patients.
Pink blooms across his cheeks as he takes a step back. “Sorry ’bout that.” He tips his head to the right. “I was actually just grabbing it.”
I suck in a big breath before heaving it out, sending the wisps left out of my ponytail flying. “Sorry for snapping. It’s been a weird morning after a weird weekend, and now I’m…holy shit, I’m so late.”
