Page 55 of The Bitter Rival

Drying myself off, I slip my nightgown over my head and blush as the silky material brushes across the bruised peaks of my breasts. The replaying of that night has taken up permanent residence in my head.

I have two days left before my exam. I need a good night’s sleep tonight. The plan is to study in the a.m. and put in a good evening’s work tomorrow, so I can spend Tuesday studying for my exam. No more focusing on Sebastian’s hot body. I’ve got this.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

Isabella

“Thank you. I really appreciate this. Goodbye.”

I can’t believe it. I got the job. Well, contingent on passing my final exams, I have the radiology tech job.No pressure. The interviews apparently went well, and all the recommendations from the guys in the department certainly helped.

I shouldn’t be worried about this exam. I’m smart. I’ve applied myself and studied hard. There’s no reason to think I won’t pass. But it’s a big deal. So it’s normal to be worried.

“Austin, I just got a call from the hospital. If I pass my exam on Wednesday, I’ll be able to work there. Isn’t that great?”

“Yeah, Mom.”

“Okay, you check in with Margaret and let me know if you need anything. I’m off tomorrow to study, and then if I pass the exam, we’re going to celebrate. Just you and me, buddy.” Turning, I head for the door. Barely making it two steps, I see a young delivery man walking up toward me.

“Hi. Ms. Potter?”

“Yes.”

“I have a package for you.”

Looking down, I notice another package from Amazon and assume it’s probably for more of the charcoal sketch pencils.

“Thank you.”

I quickly head back into the house. “Austin. There’s a package by the door,” I yell. I try not to laugh when he scurries to the front room to check it out. My child is only quick when he’s checking on the mail, in a hurry to get to the bathroom, or being called to dinner for something covered in cheese.

“Jeff, she said I all but have the job. I just need to pass my exam, and it’s mine.”

“Isabella, that’s fantastic. I know that exam is going to be nothing for you. You’ve got this.”

“Thanks, Jeff. I feel like I should be fine. But you know how it is when you’re facing something important like this. Your mind can play tricks with you.” Pushing the large portable x-ray machine toward the front of the ER, I stop in my tracks when I see Damian standing in full firefighter turn-out gear beside the ambulance bay doors. “Hey, Jeff. That’s my brother. I’ll be right back.” Walking swiftly over to him, I approach cautiously. Is he hurt?

“Hey, what are you doing here?” I ask nervously.

“B, I came to see you.”

“Is Austin okay?”

“Of course. I just wanted to hug you before your big day on Wednesday. I know you’re going to want to concentrate on cramming tomorrow, and Bailey will have Austin.”

“That’s so sweet of you, Damien. But you wished me luck the other night,” I say, rubbing his arm.

“I know, but that was after ribbing you for nearly twenty minutes about where you’d been all night. You never ask us to help, and when you do, we give you the business. I’m sorry. You’re a grown woman. What you do on your time is your business.”

I can’t help but look at him in shock.

“I’m serious. I’m sorry. Now, give me a hug so I can get back on the truck and go. We were out in the area and had to stop and get our drug box changed out from an earlier call.”

Enveloping him in a bear hug, I smile up at him. “You’re so sweet. Thank you for thinking of me, D. I’m nervous but pretty confident l can do it. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear the results.

“You better, we’re all cheering you on.” He bops me on the nose and turns to stride out of the door. The gesture takes me back to when Sebastian did the same. Suddenly, I wish I was getting a good luck hug from him.

Giggling, I turn back to Jeff. “Okay, sorry about that. I always get worried something has happened when they show up unannounced.”

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