Page 11 of Moonshot

Turning away from him, I try to count to five and take a cleansing breath in through my nose.Focus on 5:00 p.m., Ava.“I understand, Dr. Stark. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to return to the office. I want to get a handle on the afternoon caseload before they arrive because I’m heading out immediately after my last patient of the day to get some rest.” Standing up from the chair, I spin on my heel to get the hell away from this man before I tell him exactly what I think of him.

* * *

Mick

Walking toward the Orthopedic office, I have a spring in my step that’s been missing for weeks. I’ve been chastising myself. Why on earth hadn’t I asked for Ava’s number after that lunch date? It’s been torture wanting to see her or hear her voice, knowing I had to wait until this appointment.

That date was over in a flash. I kicked myself immediately after getting back into my car for not asking for her cell number. But I was too preoccupied with the desire to lay one on her in the middle of the parking lot. Giving her a soft kiss on the hand seemed like the safest option out in the open. Hell, it’d be my luck that Joseph Stark would walk up on us and give her a hard time. For what?Because he’s an asshole, that’s for what. Because he can.

I was so excited to come here today, you’d have thought I was meeting the likes of Derek Jeter. Like any woman could rival my admiration for him. As far as I’m concerned, he’s one of the greatest players of all time. Laughing at the absurd analogy, I shake my head.

I’ve tried to stay busier than usual, hoping time would pass more quickly. I visited my mom and my sister, met Zach and Otis at the fishing hole, and tried to jot down some drills to perform with my little league team to get them into gear at practice. I’ve also gone to the gym every day since our date, attempting to distract myself from the constant thoughts of her and dispel some of the extra energy. Well, that and jerking off. Despite that, I find I have more vigor than I can contain and decide to climb the steps to the clinic instead of taking the elevator. Reaching the top, I slow my roll so I don’t look over-eager and take a deep breath before opening the door to the clinic.

“Hello, Joanie. How are you this fine afternoon?” I greet the always pleasant receptionist, unable to hide my joyful anticipation at seeing Ava.

“I’m great, Michael. You look chipper,” she replies.

Tone it down, Mick.“Oh, it’s just a beautiful day outside. What’s not to be chipper about?” I try to cover. “Is Ava here? We have an appointment at 12:30.”

“Oh, no.” She hesitates momentarily as if she’s unsure how to proceed. “She called out sick this morning. I’m sorry. I didn’t think to let you know ahead of time. I should’ve called you.”

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that. I hope she’s okay.” My face falls. I realize I’m probably not masking my disappointment well.

“She’ll be fine,” she quickly returns, no evidence of concern.What?Her statement seems odd for someone who called out sick, particularly someone as sweet as Ava.

“Would you like me to reschedule with one of the other providers?” she prods.

“Um, wha-” My internal thoughts are distracting me from her questioning. I force myself to replay what she’s just said. “Oh, no. I’ll just come back in two weeks.”

“All right, dear. Enjoy the rest of your day,” she returns with a curious look on her face.

Yeah, right.

Taking the elevator to the first floor, I try to reorganize my day. I have another orthopedic practice at this hospital that’s been flexible with visits in the past. I’ll head there before proceeding to the OR to review the current inventory. I’m usually pretty regimented about my sales visits to make sure I can fit in all of the necessary stops each week. But this could work.

Having accomplished a lot despite the haphazard change in my schedule, I give myself a little pat on the back for knocking those things out despite my disappointment in the day’s turn of events.God, I was looking forward to seeing her. And getting her number. Maybe I’ll call the office tomorrow and check on her. Tell her how sorry I was to hear she was sick and ask for her number.As I walk down the hallway toward the adjoining building, I pass the cafeteria with a lift in my spirits at my new plan. Unexpectedly my stomach growls, reminding me of the hour.Maybe I’ll just stop and get a bottle of-

Looking through the glass that separates the cafeteria seating from the outside courtyard, I notice Ava sitting with her back to me and rat bastard Joseph Stark sitting entirely too close, arm around her chair with his face practically buried in her hair.What. The. Fuck?Had I been given the brush off? Did she not want to deal with me today and so asked Joanie to tell me she was sick? My muscles all tense, and my once pangs of hunger are gone as my stomach lurches. Familiar waves of anger and rejection wash over me as I take in the ice princess and her arrogant mate.

That’s what I get for taking a chance.

CHAPTERSEVEN

Ava

“Hey, cous.” Carson bends down to offer a kiss to my cheek before sliding into the seat beside me. Placing his hand over mine, he gives it a gentle squeeze. “How’ve you been?”

“I’m okay. How are you? Time’s really gotten away from us. We used to meet up regularly, but I feel like I’ve been letting our dinners slip because of my job.”

“That bad, huh?”

“Hi. My name is Tabitha. I’ll be your server. Can I get you anything to drink?”

“Hi, Tabitha.” Carson winks. “I’ll take a Grey Goose and tonic. And my cousin will have water. Thank you.”

Oh, god. He’s always on.“For goodness sake, can’t you tone it down? You’re not leaving here with her number, Carson.”

“Who says? She’s cute.”

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