I don’t want anything to do with him. He’s an entitled schoolboy, living in a man’s body.
I have to thank my lucky stars when his father, Samuel, saves me from another awkward situation with him. After cleaning up one of the operating tables, I notice Travis hanging back, filling the air with his assholeness. I don’t say anything to him, especially after he raised his voice at me, no more than fifteen minutes before. Instead, I just try to do my job in silence, while still stewing over my dickhead neighbor who ruined my flowers.
Why does it feel like I am suddenly surrounded by assholes?
“So, how’s the boyfriend?”
At the question and the snark bleeding from his tone, my shoulders tense. My grip tightens around the disinfecting spray, and I work to control my frustration. Blowing out a deep, controlled breath, I try to keep my tone civil.
“I told you, Travis. He’s not my boyfriend.”
“So you kiss everyone. Just not me, right?”
Dropping the spray and the rag, I pinch the bridge of my nose, not even caring the gloves covering my hands are filled with chemicals.
“Is that what you’re so angry about? That kiss? I’m sorry to say this, Travis, but what I do, doesn’t concern you. There is nothing going on between my neighbor and me, and even if there was, as my boss, that’s not something I’m obligated to share with you.”
Travis scoffs, his eyes darkening a few shades. “You really had me fooled, Olivia. I thought you were different. But you’re just another pretty face, falling into the arms of any man who wants you. It’s sad, actually.”
My chest tightens, painfully so. I whirl around, my eyes round. “Excuse me?”
“You fuck him yet?”
A gasp gets caught in my throat, and I flinch at the ire in his tone. The look on Travis’s face isn’t the one of a boss or a friend concerned over my well-being. No, this is the expression of a jealous man. Hell, beyond jealous.
“That is none of your concern,” I grit.
His chest puffs out, and he closes the distance between us. Fear claws at my throat, making it hard to swallow. I back away from him until my back collides sharply with the table behind me. My heart is beating unsteadily in my chest, and my pulse is pounding in my ears. Something about the glint in his eyes, as he stares down at me, leaves all the hairs at the nape of my neck standing at attention.
“I promise you, Olivia, one night with me will change your whole life. One night.” He takes a stray lock of hair that fell from my ponytail and rubs it between his fingers. My stomach churns, disgust causing bile to rise up my throat. A sharp pang shoots down the center of my chest, my lungs squeezing with a restricting hold.
What the hell is happening?
I realize too late what’s coming next. Travis bends, his hand going around my waist, and I stiffen. My body trembles in fear. I raise my hands, to shove him back, just as the door to the exam room opens, and I hear his father’s voice.
“Travis, can I speak with you?”
Travis stiffens, mere inches away from me. My heart is pounding wildly, while his eyes continue to drill holes into me. I see the intent, written in his eyes. If his father hadn’t come in, he was going to kiss me, whether I wanted him to or not.
They both leave the exam room, and I gasp for much-needed air, crumpling against the table. My chest is painfully tight, and my heartbeat is so irregular, I have to press the heel of my palm into my sternum, trying to ease the ache and slow my heart rate.
I don’t see Travis or Dr. Bennett for the rest of my shift, and I’m all too thankful for that. I feel guilty. Even though I wasn’t the one who initiated anything, I suddenly feel like I’m the problem. I can’t imagine what must be going through Samuel’s head. Does he think I’m some hussy who’s sleeping with his son on the job? A shudder runs through my body at the thought. The last person I’d sleep with on this earth is Travis Bennett. The sooner he gets that through his thick skull, the better off we’ll both be.
I’m bone-tired by the time I get home. I’m so over this entire day that I don’t even bother making dinner. I just pop a frozen pizza into the oven