Page 34 of The Bitter Rival

This simply has to be the relentless need to win. Wanting something I can’t have. I’m not stupid. My competitive obsession is worthy of a support group. Pursuing her only to have her lose everything for her indiscretions would be beyond cruel. I’ve had not one but two incredible nights with her. I should simply face the fact that it’s a dead-end and return to my habit of meeting women for a one and done. The last thing my stressful career needs right now is adding a relationship to the mix. That’s one challenge I can admit defeat.

If only I could stop thinking about her. She’s everything I could want in a woman if I were to try.Well, minus the live-in lover.Who knew this five-foot-nothing dynamo would rock my world and leave me questioning everything? But if there was the chance for more, would my actions leave us both shattered when I discovered the challenge had been met, and I was no longer interested? How many people would I destroy in this quest?Just walk away, Sebastian. Put your energy into your work and leave that girl be.

Isabella

“Hey, B. It’s been too long,” Dominic practically shouts into the phone.

“I know. It’s been a juggling act managing school and Austin. At least I see Donovan if I can’t see you and Damien.”

“Well, I’m glad one of the Potter boys can keep an eye on you,” he jests. “So, what’s up? How long ’til you graduate and are a working girl?”

“Watch it. You make me sound like an escort. It’s getting close. That’s why I’m calling, actually. I hate to ask, but could you keep Austin in a week or two? I’m trying to line up several evenings when I’m off to study for finals, so I don’t make myself a nervous wreck. Bailey’s been a big help, but I’m hoping you and Damien can watch him a night or two as well.”

“Of course, B. You don’t even have to ask.”

“I won’t be interrupting a hot date?”

“Yeah, not likely. We’ve both been sticking to very casual after watching Donovan and Ashley. That chick is a stage ten clinger.”

“I don’t know why he puts up with her. I don’t see it.” According to Katarina, Donovan’s current girlfriend even drives the nurses in the ER nuts with her demanding phone calls and rude behavior.

“Well, I have a pretty good idea why he puts up with her. She’s hot as fuck and probably sucks-”

“Okay, okay. I don’t need that mental imagery,” I interrupt sharply.

“Yeah, well, that’s the only reason I’d keep her around. Not sure even that’d be worth it for long.”

“Well, I appreciate your help. You and Damian,” I say, trying to get this conversation away from that unpleasant topic. “I feel like a terrible mother. Pawning my poor child off on all of my family. I can’t ask Mom and Dad. They’re getting older and set in their ways. I love them, but Austin’s little quirks are harder on them. Mom’s forever trying to get him to do things he isn’t interested in and cleaning up after him. It’s hard when you combine OCD and Autism in the same dwelling.” I laugh. I know my mother means well, but her need for order will never mesh with Austin’s need for freedom of self-expression.

“Isabella Potter. You’re the best mother I know, short of our own. You went years without asking for help from anyone. Needing a lending hand to help reach your goals isn’t a sign of weakness. You’re getting the job done. I never know how much Austin sees, but I believe you’re setting a good example for him. Our place isn’t set up like yours and Bailey’s, but he can bring his sketch pad and go to town while Damien and I watch the game. If he sneaks away, I’ve got an extra can of paint in storage. I just hope he gets Damien’s room this time.” His hearty chuckle warms my heart and brings a broader smile to my face. “Besides, I’ve been looking for an excuse to make five cheese nachos.”

“Oh, good lord. Please make sure you give him some fruit. I’m sure a salad has never seen the light of day in that house. If he gets constipated, you and Damien are giving him an enema, not me!”

“Hells bells, B. No way that’s happening. I’ll make him eat applesauce and put prune juice in his drink if I have to.”

“I’m teasing. He’ll be fine. Just watch him. He tends to get carried away. He’ll eat the whole pan.”

“We know. We got schooled on that the last time we made them. We let them cool without watching Austin. The pan looked like it’d been attacked by a pack of wolves when we went back. Now we make his separate. Besides, he doesn’t like everything on his like we do. Just gobs of cheese.”

“Thanks, Dom. I miss you guys. Hopefully, once the stress of school is behind me, we can get back to meeting up for dinner more often.”

“You do what you need to. We’re happy to help.”

Ugh!This day can’t end soon enough. I woke up cranky, knowing it’s my least favorite time of the month. The stage just before Aunt Flo comes to visit where I’m moody, bloated, crampy, and horny as hell. My spirits lifted a bit after speaking with my crazy brother earlier. Yet now the hormones are taking over, and I just want to crawl under the covers with a hot tea. Working amongst perky twenty-year-old nurses and technicians who get their nails done and never have a hair out of place is the last place I need to be. Chocolate. I might manage to make it ’til the end of my shift with a few ibuprofen and eating my weight in chocolate.

Finishing up the low back x-ray on a gentleman practically twice my size, I let my team know I’m headed to the cafeteria. Jeff has the day off. I needed the candy man today, if only for the chocolate. I need to watch things with Jeff after the night at the club. He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. There just isn’t any chemistry, and the last thing I need is to start up something with someone in the very department I hope to be working. Plus, I’m not sure how Austin would integrate into a relationship with someone who already has children. That might be more stress than either of us could handle.

Arriving at the small cafeteria, I stroll amongst the options. The choices are limited, given it’s after the close of the official lunch hour. The grill remains open, which suits me just fine. I try to eat healthy enough that I can allow something greasy once a month when I crave it most.

“Yes, ma’am. What can I get you?” the smiling chef asks from behind the counter.

“Hi. May I have a veggie burger and fries, please?”

“Sure. Everything on it?”

“Yes, please.”

I give in to my thoughts as I await the preparation of my meal. It’s so backward. Why is it when your pelvis feels like it is on strike, that’s when I’m the most ravenous for some hot and dirty sex? If only this had started a week ago.That was some of the best medicine on the planet, I recall. I rub my thumb across my lower lip, picturing the Adonis that took me all night long. Sebastian Lee doesn’t hold anything back when he has you in his clutches. And I enjoyed every single moment of that pounding.

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