Total pages in book: 163
Estimated words: 164828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 824(@200wpm)___ 659(@250wpm)___ 549(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 824(@200wpm)___ 659(@250wpm)___ 549(@300wpm)
“Don’t you dare.”
“April, I don’t want you struggling over there alone.”
“I’m not struggling. I’m budgeting hard.”
“Isn’t that the same shit?”
She laughs. “Probably.”
“Why don’t you call Roy and demand for all your money that the bastard took? You own half that fucking house, you know. It was your money used for the deposit.”
“I don’t want his slutty money. I want nothing to do with him ever again.”
I exhale heavily. “Why are you so stubborn?”
“Because I’m not giving him the satisfaction of asking that prick for anything, least of all money.” Just the mention of Roy’s name sends her raging mad.
“Okay, okay. Well, you can ask me for money.”
“You’re going to need your money too, soon, now that you don’t have Nathan to spoil you.”
“God, don’t remind me.” I hang on the line. “Do you think they’ve slept together?”
“I don’t know. Did you ask him?”
“No.”
“Would he tell you if they had?”
“I don’t know.”
“See, that’s weird, don’t you think? If he didn’t have feelings for you, wouldn’t he just tell you? Why would he hide other people?”
“The girls think he’s kept his apartment for booty-calls.”
“For sure.”
I frown. “You think?”
“Eliza, have you seen how gorgeous that man is?”
“Yes. I saw him naked just the other day.”
“Oh my God… and?”
I exhale heavily, that’s private between him and I, the term packing heat runs naked through my mind. “No comment.”
She laughs. “That means its too good to elaborate on.”
I chuckle. “I’m going.”
“Come on, more info.” She teases.
“Goodbye.”
“Have fun on your date.”
“We both know I won’t.”
“Maybe you need a hot one night stand. Fuck Nathan out of your system, so to speak.”
I giggle. “Maybe. Bye.” I hang up before she can try and talk me into having sex with Samuel. That is not happening.
It’s Monday night, and the buzzer sounds at my door. I close my eyes. Here goes nothing.
I’m going to try and let Samuel down gently. I’m just not feeling it.
“Coming down,” I say into the intercom.
“Okay.”
I take the elevator, and with my heart beating hard in my chest, I walk out of my building. Samuel is waiting near the doors, and he smiles when he sees me.
“You look beautiful.”
“Thanks.” Oh crap, please don’t be nice.
He takes my hand. “Let’s go.”
Nathan
I sit at my desk and stare at my computer. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt like this before. I’m so wound up about everything, my head feels like it’s about to explode.
A voice comes through the intercom. “Dr. Mercer, have you finished dictating for me?”
“No, Maria. I haven’t.”
“If you want me to finish the reports today, sir, I really need to get on it. I’m running out of time and feeling pressured.”
“I am well aware, Maria,” I bark. “Stop micromanaging me.” I push the button with force. Fuck…they piss me off out there.
Knock, knock, sounds at the door. I roll my eyes. “Yes!” I call.
The door opens, and Maria stands before me with her calender in her hand. She smiles. “Can we go through your schedule, Doctor?”
“Not now, Maria.”
“But—”
“Not. Now,” I cut her off. I go back to my computer, and from the corner of my eye, I notice she hasn’t left. I glance up to see her standing there watching me. “What is it?” I snap.
“Is everything all right, sir?” she asks timidly.
“Of course, it is.” I bang the buttons on my keyboard. I feel her still standing there, and I look up once more. “For God’s sake, what, Maria?” I snap.
“You’ve just been very…”
“What?”
“Very testy, and I know how much pressure you are under and I wonder… ”
I glare at her and raise my eyebrow as I wait for her elaboration.
“I wonder if maybe you shouldn’t go this week.”
“Go where?”
“That there, that proves my point, Dr. Mercer. You never forget anything. You’re booked out for the week to attend a conference here in San Fran. But I don’t think you should go. Take the rest of the week off instead. You’re not speaking. There is nothing imperative you can’t miss.”
What the hell? I had something on this week and had no idea. What the fuck is happening to me?
“I’m fine, Maria.” I sigh.
“No. I’m sorry, sir, this time I’m making an executive decision. I’m cancelling for you. Take the six days off and unwind. You don’t get the opportunity to do this, ever. Do it while you can.”
Six whole days.
I put my head into my hand. “God, I could do with some time off,” I murmur.
“I know you could.”
My eyes rise to meet hers. “Thank you, Maria.”
She smiles. “There’s a motive to my madness, you know? Maybe you won’t be such an ogre on your return.”
I chuckle. “I doubt that.”
“Me, too.” She laughs. “But miracles do happen. We all live in hope.”
She turns to leave.
“Maria?” I call.
“Yes.” She turns back.
“Thank you for putting up with me. You’re a saint. I hope you know how appreciated you are.”