Page 15 of Just Is Not Enough

Any part of Kaden is better than none at all.

Chapter Thirteen

I Might Lose My Sanity Today

Kaden

Dinner.That’sallI’vecommitted to, nothing more.

Keep telling yourself that.

Why can’t I have dinner with him? There’s no reason why we can’t be friends. Just because you sucked some guy’s dick doesn’t mean you can’t be friends with him. I’ve fucked around with Ender in the past and he’s still in the inner circle. It’s fine. Everything’s fine.

I finish my end of day tasks in a hurry. Leaving my office a few minutes past 4:30 p.m., I walk out to the lobby to make sure Kelsey doesn’t need anything else from me. I find her peering at me with a grin.

“I’m going to head out a little early, you good to handle closing up when everyone leaves?” I ask her with questioning eyes.

Her eyes bounce from me to the waiting room then back to me, her grin widening as it returns. I glance towards the waiting room and find Luke looking like a giant sitting in a chair, staring at his phone.

“Yes, Dr. Parker. I’m all set. Have a nice night!” She’s way too excited for me to leave with Luke. Ms. Nosy Body thinks this is more than what it really is, dinner, with a friend. That’s it. I remind myself to cancel that birthday present.

Stop it, Kaden.

Luke’s head pops up when he hears Kelsey say my name. He flashes that perfect smile at me, and his bright eyes fixate on mine causing the tiniest whimper to leave my mouth.

My hand flies to my mouth while I swing my head towards Kelsey to see if she noticed. My ears burn like fire when I see her beaming with enthusiasm. It’s as if she’s in on the bet with Lanie and Faith.

Shaking my head, “Goodnight, Kelsey.”

“Goodnight, Dr. Parker,” Kelsey replies more formally this time.

Luke stands and joins me walking towards the door. I can’t help appreciating how well his black short sleeve Henley forms around his muscular chest and biceps. The faded jeans he’s wearing are as snug, looking like they were painted on. Though I can’t see his ass as he walks beside me, I remember the ample hardened curves under my hands that night in the stall. I see why Courtney was overheated. My gut twists at the thought.

“Do you mind if I drive?” He asks, opening the door for me. The soft whoosh of warm air that comes through the door is evidence of the inconsistent weather in North Carolina during the winter months. Leave the house with a jacket on, come home with it over your shoulder.

I nod, saying, “That’s fine. Can we stop by my place so I can change out of my scrubs?”

“You look good in scrubs, but whatever you’re more comfortable in.”

I struggle not to react to the twists that have now turned into fluttering.

Before the door can fully close behind us, I hear a cheerful voice from inside, “Have a nice evening, Mr. Stonewood.”

I swear, I’m firing her tomorrow.

No, you’re not.

Luke chuckles and gives a slight wave through the glass window. “She’s a little invested in how you spend your personal time, huh?”

“She’s harmless. As much as I’d like to fire her at the moment, I know she cares enough to want me to be happy.”

“Are you not happy?” His quizzical eyes meet mine as we get to his Jeep Wrangler, opening the passenger door for me.

I look at his hand holding the door, then back to his face. “Do you always open car doors for your male friends, Luke?”

“Do you always avoid answering questions that make you uncomfortable?” He challenges me, with a smirk.

“Now look who’s avoiding questions.” My retort merits a laugh from Luke. He doesn’t let go of the door. I give in and gracefully take my seat, letting him close the door for me.

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