Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 67492 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67492 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
That’s why I’ve just finished charting for the day when my cell rings at four thirty. Looking at the screen, I smile when I see her name. “Hey,” I answer.
“Oliver, are you super busy?” she asks in a rush.
“I just finished up for the day. What’s up?” I ask, shutting down my laptop.
“I have a huge favor to ask.”
“Sure. Ask away,” I tell her.
“Well, Dr. Anderson was supposed to be at the ceremony tonight to give the welcome speech. His wife just went into labor.”
“Okay?”
“It’s always been a member of the medical staff to open. I know this isn’t your thing, and I’m certain it’s the very last thing you want to do tonight, but I need to find his replacement, and it’s last minute. We’re hours from the ceremony. Will you do it? Will you fill in for him? It’s nothing big. Just welcome everyone, and then Hilary will take over from there. It’s tradition to have a Willow River General physician greet the crowd, say hello, and introduce Hilary.” She exhales loudly at the end of her speech.
I smile. I can picture her all worked up and her hands moving wildly as she talks. “A favor for a favor?” I ask her as an idea takes root.
“Yes. Absolutely. Anything.”
“Anything?”
“Yes,” she confirms.
“Come home with me tonight.”
“Oliver, I spent all weekend at your place, not getting home until late each night. I need to do laundry.”
“Bring it to my place.” I can’t believe those words just came out of my mouth. I have to be desperate to spend time with her. I need to spend as much time with her as I can. One day, she’s going to want more from me, and I’m not that guy. Not anymore.
“I’m not dragging my dirty laundry to your house.”
She’s right. That doesn’t make sense. But dammit, I want to see her tonight away from the prying eyes of our coworkers and whoever else shows up at this tree lighting. Disappointment washes over me, and it’s a feeling I haven’t felt in far too long. I haven’t allowed myself to want anything.
“You could come to my place,” she offers. “Isla will be there,” she adds, as if that will deter me.
“Yes.” I’m agreeing before I can really think this through. Do I really want to spend the evening at her place with her roommate hovering around us? When I give myself a minute to think about it, my answer is the same.
“Really?” she asks brightly.
“Yes. I can follow you home after the event.”
“So, you’ll do it. You’ll welcome everyone?”
“I’ll do it.” I’m going to be there anyway. Besides, the administration will like that. I’m playing nice, and Blakely is happy. It’s a double win for me.
“Thank you so much, Oliver. I have a few things to follow up on. I’ll see you later?”
“You’re staying until the ceremony?”
“I am. The newspaper will be here to take pictures and write an article, and I want to make sure I’m here to greet them, and who knows what other last-minute fires will pop up that I’ll have to put out.”
“Do you need anything else from me?” She works too damn hard.
“No. You saved me. Thank you. I’ll see you soon.” She ends the call before I can say anything else.
With my work all caught up, I slide into my coat, grab my things, and head home.
I’m early. I was at home for maybe twenty minutes and was pacing the floors. I didn’t change, since I’ll be opening the ceremony, but I did pack a bag with something other than my dress pants and dress shirt I wore to work to change into later at Blakely’s.
I spot Blakely immediately. She’s laughing at something some guy just said. He’s smirking, loving her reaction. I increase my pace to get to her. As soon as I reach her, I slide my free hand around her waist. The other offers her the food I picked up at the diner for her. “Hungry?” I don’t give a single fuck if I’m interrupting them.
She smiles up at me. “You brought me food?”
“Yeah. You’ve been here all day. I figured you wouldn’t take the time to eat.”
“Thank you, Oliver.” She leans up on her tiptoes and kisses my cheek. Warmth spreads through me just from seeing her smile. I should probably be looking around to see if anyone other than this tool is paying attention to us, but I want to give all of mine to her.
“Dr. Oliver Thompson.” I thrust my hand toward the man she was talking to.
“Mason Brewer,” he replies, taking my offered hand.
“Mason and I went to high school together. He’s just been hired on in the maintenance department here at the hospital.”
“Welcome,” I say, trying to keep my tone light, but I know I’m failing.
“Anyway, I need to get back to work. Blake, drinks this weekend?” he asks.