Page 30 of Cherish

“Knew what?”

“That you were my angel.” I squeeze him tight and throw my leg across his body.

“Really? You were so blinded by my halo that you were struck speechless? Is that why you fell on your tight ass?” I reach underneath his body and squeeze his butt cheek.

“That wasn’t the first time I saw you. I spotted you at Bean Town Café. You were looking off into the distance, looking so wistful. I thought you were the most beautiful sight and I was right.”

CHAPTER 18

JASON

I hit ignore for the sixth time since last night. I park in the garage and run to the passenger side, opening the door for Alex. As soon as I close the door, she hooks her arm with mine and we walk to the elevator. It’s much too early for her to be here, but after taking her home to change, she insisted on coming in to work at the same time as me. She looks up at me and smiles just as the elevator doors open.

“Hold the elevator.” I know that voice. I don’t think Alex notices as she lays her head on my shoulder. I don’t know how it happened, but in a brief amount of time, I went from happily and willingly single to part of a couple. I haven’t wanted to be part of a couple since Natalie. I’ve had girlfriends, but it was only because I’d agree when they wanted to make things official. It’s no surprise the relationships didn’t last more than a few months. Add to that the fact that Natalie was always in the background, either promising a relationship that never happened, or contacting me and reminding me of what we once had. Alexandra Francine Malone was unexpected. For the first time, I understand what Jacob Clark must have felt when he met Sandy.

Just as the door is about to close, a foot slides inside, causing it to reopen. He doesn’t notice us at first. He steps in and turns his back to us, but a few seconds later, he turns, eyeing us. His eyes remained on our locked arms a few seconds longer than they should have.

“Good morning, Dr. Doyle.”

He doesn’t respond. He looks from me to Alex and back to me. He nods and turns around, giving us his back again.

“Do you want me to walk you to the café?” I ask Alex.

“Don’t you have to prep for your surgery? I’m just getting takeout.” The doors open and we step out. We follow behind Doyle to the on-call room and stand outside the door, noticing that Doyle loiters close enough to hear our conversation.

“That’s not until later. I have a lecture to go to soon, but I can walk there with you real quick.”

“You get to work, and I’ll bring you back some French toast.” She looks up and smiles at me, and my heart nearly flies out of my chest. Unable to stop myself from touching her, I try to smooth her poufy curls to no avail.

“Okay, angel. Text me when you get back to your office, and I’ll come find you.” I tilt her chin up and capture her pink lips. She wraps her arms around my neck, and I deepen the kiss by grabbing the back of her head, filling her mouth with my tongue. When my body starts to wake up, and she moans, I abruptly end the kiss and release her. As she walks away, I surprise her by slapping her on the ass. She spins back around, surprise marring her face, but when she bites her bottom lip, I almost follow her. Instead, I blow her a kiss and turn back to the on-call room, practically colliding with Doyle.

I sidestep him and enter the room, but he doesn’t take the hint. He walks inside the small space and sits on the bottom bunk while I log into my computer.

“I didn’t know you and Alexandra were a thing.” We’ve never discussed my personal life, so it’s no surprise he wouldn’t know. “I guess that’s why she was at your party.”

“Actually, she works with my sister, and Mellie invited her. We didn’t become a thing until after the party.” I focus on my computer and wait for him to leave. He doesn’t.

“We went out a few times.” I school my features not to show my irritation. I make a point of taking my time typing something before looking at his face. He doesn’t look smug when I finally meet his gaze. What I see is far more concerning than smugness or arrogance. I hope I’m wrong, but his expression looks like regret.

“Obviously, nothing came of that,” I say, standing up, towering over him.

He throws up both hands and smiles sadly. “I just didn’t want it to be awkward.”

“Why would it be, Doyle? She was single when I met her, and now she’s with me. Did I miss something?”

“No, of course not. She’s a nice girl, and beautiful. Incredibly sexy. It’s just that—”

His words come to an abrupt stop. He stands there quiet, mouth hanging open as if he’s waiting for me to finish his sentence.

“It’s just that what?” I ask, holding his stare, daring him to say the words.

Like the spineless jellyfish he is, he looks away and hangs his head. “It wasn’t a good time for me.”

“I bet it wasn’t, but you’re not part of this equation. If you’ll excuse me.” I point toward the door, and he finally gets the hint. Without another word, he leaves my room and I fight the urge to follow him and punch his lights out. I know exactly why he ghosted her, but his shortsightedness is my gain.

But because the universe hates me, I get another text from Natalie.

CHAPTER 19

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