Page 42 of More Than a Match

The thought gives me pause. Would he really try to fuck up what Alex and I have? “Do you really think I’d give you a chance, hell, even a smile, if you messed this up for me?”

“You underestimate me, darling. Sure, you’d be furious at first. But I can deal with that. What I can’t deal with is knowing he can have you, but I can’t.”

The elevator doors hiss open and I take the opportunity to bolt, but he’s right behind me. He grabs my arm and presses me to the wall, leaning his full weight against me. I can feel the firm ridge of his erection through his scrubs.Gross, he’s getting off on this.

“Think about it. One night with me, and your secret stays safe… for now.”

He releases me and steps away, chuckling. Before I can get another word out, he saunters off down the hall, leaving me alone with my tornado of thoughts.

I fight back the tears as I relay what happened to Alex. He doesn’t say anything right away, but his expression does. As my story unfolds, I see flashes of shock, disgust, and rage flit across his handsome features. I finish my tale and wait for his response, my hands trembling. It doesn’t come quickly, and I begin to worry that he will decide this is all too much, and I’m not worth the hassle. At last, he speaks.

“What the fuck, babe?”

“I know, I’m so sorry, I—”

“Why are you apologizing? That dickwad is preying on you, on your vulnerability. He’s disgusting. I out to punch him right in his stupid face.”

“No, that wouldn’t solve anything,” I plead. “That would just make him angrier, and you could get in so much trouble. We can’t afford that.”

“You mean I can’t. You’d be fine, and that’s what matters.”

“No, I meant we. We’re in this together. I love you. I can’t let you do something that would ruin your life.”

“Well, I can’t sit around and wait for him to ruin yours.”

“We’ll think of something. But right now, my mom is waiting.”

“Right, I forgot about her for a second. Laugh like I just told a funny joke.”

I do as he says, lightly swatting his arm. “We’ll deal with this later, ok? Let’s just get through lunch, then we’ll make a plan.”

“Sounds good.”

He grabs my hand and brings me over to where my mother is patiently waiting for us.

“All good, you two?”

“Oh absolutely,” Alex reassures her. “Mina was just updating me on a favorite patient of mine.”

“Oh, good news I hope?”

“Yes, totally,” I lie, smiling and hoping my mother’s bullshit detector is dialed way down. “We’re ready to go now!”

Lunch with my mother was thankfully uneventful. The conversation managed to stay light, though she did try to bring up Jason a few times to Alex, who would quickly change the subject. Today, more than ever, I’m thankful for his sharp wit.

Alex offers to drive me back to work, and as soon as the car doors close, he turns to face me. “I have an idea.”

“Oh, do tell. My stomach has been in knots, I could hardly eat!”

“I noticed. You aren’t going to like this, but I think it could work.”

“Uh oh. What am I not going to like? Now I’m scared again.”

He takes a deep breath and grabs my hand. His gaze is piercing as he looks deep into my eyes.

“You know I love you, right?”

“Yes, of course. I love you too.”

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