Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 93267 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93267 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
“Alexis.” He sighed, already resigned to having this conversation although he’d really prefer to skip it. Really.
“Oh my god, you haven’t!” Alexis rocked onto one hip, eyes rolling off into the sunset. “Why do I try? Why? You’ve got the emotional maturity of a three-year-old in terms of romance.”
“Harsh. True, but harsh.”
“At least you can admit it, though, which is progress. Whhhhhhhy haven’t you told this amazing man who spoils you that you at least like him?”
Well. For one, like was too shallow of an emotion for what he felt. Salem thought about saying so, then decided, what the hell. When did he have secrets from her, anyway? “It’s not accurate. I…think I may be in love with him?”
Alexis stared at him for a long second, jaw dropping, then stumbled despite the fact she was standing still.
“Trust me, I know, I never imagined I’d say those words out loud either. Especially not after…y’know.”
“Jerkface? Oh, trust me, I know who you’re talking about. But stay on topic here. Seriously?!”
Salem scrubbed a hand over his jaw, feeling heat rise to his cheeks, and for god’s sake, he’d blushed more since meeting Gregori than he had collectively in his entire life.
Alexis promptly whipped out her phone and snapped a picture.
“What the hell are you taking a picture for?”
“You are seriously cute right now and Gregori will thank me for this later.” She kept her phone in hand but plopped herself onto his desk, putting them more on eye level. “Salem. I know precisely how hard that was for you to admit, but please, please tell me you’ve said it to Gregori?”
“I, uh…no.”
“Yeah, of course you haven’t.” She sighed, already resigned. “Color me not surprised. Honey, please, go tell that gorgeous man.”
“I’m…can I give this just a bit more time first?”
“Why the hell would you give this more time?”
“Well, for one, every relationship I’ve had didn’t last more than three months?”
She opened her mouth, grimaced, and closed it again.
“See?”
“I do see, yeah, but I don’t think Gregori is like any of those other men.”
“I agree with you, but can’t I ride this out for a bit longer? We’ve hit a really good equilibrium and I’m scared about screwing it up. Just. If we can hit the three-month anniversary and still be solid with each other, I’ll feel a lot more comfortable telling him.”
Alexis searched his eyes. “Honestly? I’m of two minds. ’Cause this feels like trauma making a decision for you.”
Salem winced, as that felt a little too close to home.
“But on the other hand, you finally admitted you do love him, which is amazing, and I honestly never thought I’d see the day. If dating for a while longer will help settle those doubts, then I won’t argue.”
“You do see my point, then?”
“I see you need a bit more time to wrap your head around what your heart is telling you, yes.”
Close enough in Salem’s book.
A notification went off on both of their phones. They checked it immediately, the habit automatic. The notification stated all nonemergency surgeries were canceled for the day and would be rescheduled. Salem didn’t mind in the slightest. His nerves had had quite enough excitement for the day.
With that, he stood up. “I’m pulling rank and going home. Gregori deserves some spoiling.”
“That’s the spirit!” Alexis bounced off the desk. “Meanwhile, I have a ton of errands I haven’t had a chance to do. I’m taking advantage. Keep me posted, use protection, don’t get pregnant, okay?”
“Hardy har har, you’re hysterical.”
“I do try.”
He texted Gregori as he gathered up his coat and briefcase, telling him he was free from anything today and suggesting they go home. He got a thumbs-up in return.
This was seriously weird. Gregori was very effusive in his communication, so this minimalist effort didn’t feel right at all.
He met Gregori at the side entrance, where he’d parked, and one look at Gregori told its own story. The man appeared exhausted, there was a high color to his cheeks, and he was clearly not feeling well.
Shit.
Salem crossed to him quickly, putting a hand to Gregori’s forehead with a frown. “You’re burning up. Gregori, you should have told me you weren’t feeling good.”
“Came on suddenly,” Gregori said, then turned his head to cough. “I wasn’t feeling this bad this morning.”
“And you defused a bomb in this condition? You crazy person. All right, home we go.”
“Twist my arm,” Gregori joked with a strained and tired half smile.
Salem seriously did not like seeing him in such a poor state. Perhaps the silver lining to the bomb was being able to take Gregori home and look after him. He had plenty of medication at home, although he’d have to order in food later.
He bundled Gregori into the car. At this time of the day, traffic wasn’t horrific, so he was able to get them home without too much trouble. Gregori shuffled more than walked as they went up, his usual grace and energy just gone.