Page 4 of Moonshot

Knock, knock.

Looking up into the rugged face of the attractive man standing before me, I no longer have to force a smile. He’s wearing charcoal gray slacks, a crisp white shirt, and a black silk tie. His soft, brown curls are styled to perfection, and he’s wearing the black horn-rimmed glasses that make me weak in the knees.

“Hi, Michael. How are you?”

His deep brown eyes give me a warm sensation. An affection I appreciate right now. “I’m good, Ava. How are you?”

“Fine. I’m afraid I don’t have long today, as I have something I have to get to as soon as you leave. I hope you’ll forgive me if I simply sign for you this time.” I look up from my desk at him apologetically.

“No, of course. I understand. You’re always so accommodating.” He slides the form across my desk, so I can pen my name, and continues. “I did want to ask you something, though.”

“Oh?” Of all days. Any other day I’d be dying to answer any question he had.Yes, I think you’re the hottest man I’ve ever met. Yes, I’d love to sleep with you. Yes, we can do it here. Is the desk good for you, or would you prefer up against the wall?Today, however, I’m just trying not to puke on his shoe.

Pushing the paper back across the desk in his direction, I lift my eyes to him once more. The headache is getting worse as I can barely focus on the strong jaw, dreamy smile, and the gorgeous strands of dark hair I’d love to fondle.Damn Dr. Stark and his overbearing stressful self.

“Are you okay? You don’t seem like yourself today.”

“I’m fine. It’s just been a stressful morning. Was that your question?” I toss back to him, trying and failing to offer flirty banter. Why did this headache have to come when he’s here? Is it too much to ask to have a few unhindered minutes with this thirst trap?

“No. I. Well…”

I’ve unknowingly dropped my head down under the force of my extreme discomfort and gently raise my head to make eye contact with him once more before he leaves. I should just tell him about this headache. He’d understand. He’s so darn sweet. And it’s not like I have to worry about him ditching me because of them. Hell, he’s paid to come here. It’s not like he’s coming here for me.

“I was-”

“Ava, there you are. After you’re done doing…” Dr. Stark looks between Michael and me before continuing his sentence. “Whatever it is you’re doing, will you look at the afternoon schedule and figure out how you can manage to see my patients without rescheduling. I have to take an ER case to the OR. You can move your patients if needed.”

“But-” There’s no need finishing the sentence as he’s already left and wouldn’t care what my current circumstances were. I drop my head in my hands and pray for a miracle to help me get through the remainder of this day.

“Tool,” Michael mutters.

My head snaps up, and I catch his shocked facial expression. You know this headache is bad when I’d almost forgotten he was here. Between Dr. Stark and the migraine, it’s almost hard to rememberI’mhere.

“I’m sorry, Ava. That was terribly unprofessional of me,” he interjects.

“Well, maybe so. But it’s the best thing that’s happened to me all day.” I laugh. Ugh, even laughing hurts. What I’d give to go home and lie down.Think I could ask this incredible hunk of a man if he’d take me home? Hell, he’d think I wanted a lunch date booty call. Not that I’d turn that down any other day. If I got fired, it’d be worth it.

“I hope not,” he answers, catching me off guard.

I try to sharpen my focus. What had he been saying? Oh yeah, we were talking about how it was the best thing that had happened to me all day. I simply got distracted by this vice-like grip on my skull.Well, that and the thoughts of lying naked underneath the god of a man standing in front of me.

“What do you mean? It’s honestly been the worst day ever.” I drop my head back into my hands, not even caring that he’s still here. I just don’t have it in me to pretend everything’s okay anymore. I’m so overwhelmed at this moment. If only something good could break through this misery. Something that could get me through the next few hours here before I go home and crawl into bed.

“Well, I was wondering…”

Michael stops talking, and I realize how rude I’m being. If I’m not going to tell him about this headache, the least I can do is try to be attentive while he’s here. If I can’t focus on his handsome face and beautiful eyes, I can at least point my gaze in his direction so he knows I’m listening. That his presence is important to me. Lifting my head in his direction, I wait for him to continue.

“I was wondering if you might join me for lunch when I come back in two weeks?”

CHAPTERFOUR

Mick

“Yes,” Ava blurts out.

I can’t help the chuckle that escapes. That was the last thing I was expecting from this staunchly professional goddess. “Well, okay. It’s a date.” I watch as her smile widens, and my heart nearly stops.This could be dangerous, Mick. There’s no walking away from this beauty.

“I’m sorry, Michael. It’s been an absolutely hellish day here. You’ve been the one bright spot in an otherwise bleak morning.” She stops speaking to rest her hand on the nape of her neck, extending her porcelain throat. God, she’s beautiful. “Thank you. I’m really looking forward to it.”

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