Page 4 of The Bitter Rival

Sophia’s unquestionably gorgeous. We’d met years ago when she came on to my best friend, Nick. Nick and I were classmates in medical school and spent most of our free time together. We determined quickly we had a lot more than our curriculum in common. We were driven, top of our class, and addicted to the hunt. We both strived to be number one in school and extracurricular activities, particularly women. He had no more interest in a long-term relationship than I did until Sophia came along. I’ll admit, if I were to entertain a relationship with a woman, it would’ve been with her. She was all the things I was attracted to in the gentler sex. She was beautiful, intelligent, and sweet. I was disappointed she’d chosen Nick over me. But she’d charmed him into marrying her, and I was in no way ready for that type of commitment—even with Sophia.

As the years passed, Sophia’s true colors emerged. Yet, not before pulling me temporarily into her web. Nick and I had become focused on our careers. Unaware there was discord in their marriage, Sophia had come to me crying that Nick had rejected her. She suspected his career was his true mistress but hadn’t ruled out another woman. He’d supposedly tossed her out, and she was devastated.

In my efforts to comfort her, I made one of the worst decisions of my life. Thinking their marriage was over and Sophia left devastated in its wake, I slept with my best friend’s soon-to-be-ex. Not only did I break Bro-code, but I destroyed my relationship with Nick. In a moment of weakness, I let this woman come between us, just to find out later it was all a lie. She’d been having affairs with other men, looking for her next victim on her way out of Nick’s life. Apparently, his lifestyle wasn’t enough for her. I’m sure I was just one more unsuspecting asshole she was trying on for size. Someone with a bigger bank account and a pocket-sized heart to match. A rich, arrogant preoccupied man who’d be happy to have her on his arm and let her live as she pleased.

I was in a bad place when Sophia called crying that night. Otherwise, I might’ve seen her for what she was sooner. But, the more time we spent together, it became clear her only allegiance was to herself. It’s taken a lot of repair work to get my relationship with Nick back on track after my involvement with her. As much as I’d like to resent her for the situation, I’m a grown-ass man. I made my own choices and have to own up to them.

Sophia has tried to make amends to me in her own way for lying about the situation and straining my relationship with Nick. She’s agreed to help me in a few instances when I found myself in a bind—completely platonic instances. We only slept together once, and I plan to keep it that way, just like every other woman I encounter.

Taking another sip from my scotch, I peer over the rim of the crystal tumbler to observe the dark-haired minx sitting at the table with her sister. The drinks I’d delivered were sitting between them. While her sister’s cocktail was near empty, her screaming orgasm sat untouched. I shake my head at the stubborn temptress.What is it about this woman that has me so intrigued?Normally, I never give a second thought to any female, whether I’ve slept with them or not. There are plenty of other beauties in the sea for me to enjoy. I don’t need to chase someone who isn’t interested. Yet, I have to admit this particular rejection stings a little.

“I see someone’s got your eye,” Sophia tosses in my direction, following my gaze to the petite brunette.

“Just leave it, Soph.”

“What, did someone reject the sexy surgeon?” Sophia cackles as she accepts her Manhattan from the bartender.

“Just drop it. She’s no one,” I grunt as I take another drink, hoping I can convince myself of the statement. This mesmerizing woman strikes me as a good girl. One you’d take home to meet your family. Not the kind you pick up hoping to bend her backward with your dick buried in her every orifice. My cock twitches within the confines of my pants at this delicious notion.

My dalliances are very impersonal. I avoid sharing any details with the women I meet. I give them my surname instead of my first, avoid career conversations, and never bring anyone home. Most rendezvous are either at their abode or a hotel. I don’t do sleepovers. Even in college, I learned quickly. An attractive man with money and a promising future drew women like flies to honey. I have no interest in such entanglements. A healthy relationship was alien territory for me.

I hadn’t enjoyed a life raised by loving, committed parents like my friend, Nick. My mother was a self-absorbed socialite who didn’t have the self-respect to divorce my cheating father for fear of what she’d lose. Growing up in this environment was less than pleasant, to say the very least. I didn’t need to make that lifestyle a generational reoccurrence.

There were only two times in my life I’d even considered a long-term relationship with a woman. One I’d put behind me years ago, and the other stood before me.Never going back there.

“If you say so,” Sophia returns. I watch as she casually glances over her shoulder at the table in question. “I’ve got to say, Bas. Neither of those two looks like your usual conquest. One looks like a hippy chick, and the other is… well, she’s a little old for you, isn’t she?”

What the hell?“What are you talking about, Sophia? I have no idea how old she is, but she’s certainly not any older than I am.”

“As I said, a little old for you. But I guess you’ve always been an equal opportunity offender.”

Before I can snap back a witty retort, the bartender returns.

“Ah, thanks. Dr. Lee will take care of that, won’t you, honey?” Sophia answers the bartender, rubbing her well-manicured hand along my arm. The comment and her touch making me equally irritated. “Thanks for the drink, Sebastian. I’ll catch you later,” she adds, just before sauntering off toward the other end of the bar. I’m sure she’s already made her mark on some poor sap. Better him than me.

Unable to help myself, I allow my gaze to drift back to the brunette. Yet, it appears they’ve left for the evening. The table is clear of any evidence of their existence. I toss back the last of my scotch and wince. I guess I’m calling it a night. While I’d still love the company of a sultry woman for the evening, I have to admit anyone I’d pursue now would feel like a consolation prize. If I’m going to end the night disappointed, I might as well do it alone.

CHAPTERTWO

Isabella

What on earth is wrong with me? I’m out having a good time with my sister. I shouldn’t even be considering anything with this man. He’s arrogant, brash, and just the type I’d normally roll my eyes at.Oh, yeah, I did that already.

Yet, all I want is a one-night stand. And everything about this man screams self-assuredness. I can only imagine the orgasms he could bestow. But, could I walk away unscathed from a guy like this?

“You okay, Bella?”

“Yeah, Bailey. I’m fine. I’m just tired. Sorry for deciding to head home early. I have a lot on my plate with clinicals right now. But, you’re right. We do need to get back to our girls’ nights. I’ll get better about making them a priority from now on.”

“Okay. I’m holding you to that,” Bailey adds, leaning in for a hug before turning back to the Uber at the curb. “Call me soon.”

“You’ve got it.” I look down at my phone, trying to determine why the Uber driver I hired is still so far away. Tapping my fingernails on my phone screen, my mind wanders as I stand awaiting my ride home. I can’t believe I considered using that ridiculous drink as an excuse to approach that guy. Well, until I saw that gorgeous blonde at his side.

Honk, honk.

Jumping back, startled by the intrusion, my eyes flick upward, wondering if my car has finally arrived only to see two girls, at least a decade my junior, grabbing for the door handle. Looking up and down the sidewalk, I feel conspicuous standing here. These clubs are teeming with young people, adding to how old and lonely I feel lately. I’ve been on my own so long, you’d think I’d be used to this by now. At thirty-six years old, I’m standing alone in front of a nightclub, leaving early because I’m too tired to party.

My shift will come early tomorrow. I’m easily the oldest radiology student on staff at St. Luke’s. Most mornings, I shake my head at the antics of the young students and technicians, retelling their adventures of the evening before. Truth be told, I’m probably a little jealous. I missed the opportunity to live the type of existence they’re embracing. Now, I feel I’m too old to consider such things. I want success in my newfound career. Being older brings certain responsibilities. I’m paying for my education, not my parents. I need to get the most I can out of it.

---