Page 5 of Dr. Bell

“Like I was saying. You can’t work here.”

“But that’s crazy,” she replied. “I’m more than qualified and you need a nursing director.”

She blinked at me, ignoring everything I said as if she wasn’t aware that her beauty shifted the very ground I walked on.

“What I need is my freedom. I’d hate for you to feel…awkward around me.”

“Why would I?” One of her beautifully arched eyebrows lifted. Slowly, I licked my lips and watched her body shiver in response.

“That’s why,” I mumbled.

“Okay, so I find you attractive. So, what? I can put aside a mere attraction to work for you.”

“You think it’s that easy, huh?” Honestly, I was surprised she admitted being attracted to me. It bothered me that she brushed that shit off, though. As if being attracted to me was inconsequential.

“I do, Dr. Bell.”

Those four words rang loudly in my ear. So much so that I cocked my head at Pretty…Coco.

“What if I can’t put aside my attraction, though?” I questioned. She moved me too much to think that I could really work with her ass.

She shrugged. “You’re a doctor. I’m sure you’ll find a remedy.”

Whatever scent she wore warred with the sexiness of her voice and the brightness of her expressive brown eyes. All three had me ready to tear some shit up, and I didn’t know her from a pack of gauze pads.

Leaning forward, I rested my elbows on the table and regarded her like she was an ancient artifact. Something had me deeply intrigued by her, and it had nothing to do with her beauty. Her beauty was just the mask to the woman who laid beneath. That woman called to me and caused me to feel like we’d met in another lifetime. It was a lifetime where I was happy, satisfied, fulfilled, and whole, which was crazy as fuck since I didn’t know her.

Instead of digging into this woman’s life, I had to make a full stop.

“You’re a distraction. Therefore, I’m gon’ have to respectfully let my office director know that we’re not moving forward with the interview process.”

Her face contorted. “You can’t be serious.”

“I’m more serious than a widow maker.”

Just then, the door to the conference room opened. In walked my cousin, Dr. Micah Bell, and one of my close friends, Dr. Antonias Suarez. Both introduced themselves to Pretty, who still partially wore the scowl on her face that I’d placed there.

Antonias beamed. “I hear you’re our new nursing director.”

“I—”

“Naw, she’s not,” I interrupted Pretty because I didn’t want her getting all excited when I’d just told her she couldn’t work here. Her head leaned back on her shoulders while Antonias and Micah chuckled.

Pretty stood and glared at me. “You know what,Dr. Bell. You’re an arrogant piece of shit. And for the record, you ain’t that fuckin’ fine. Even if Ididget this job, I don’t want it. Take it and stuff it up yo’ arrogant ass. You’d be lucky if I don’t report you.”

Pretty switched toward the conference room’s door with the three of us looking after her. Once she was out of the room, the two men died laughing.

“She told you!” Micah shook his head in amusement.

Bianca stormed into the room, scowling. “What the hell did you say to her? You do realize she’s the best candidate we’ve had in the three weeks we’ve been looking for someone, don’t you?”

“I’m not apologizing. Find someone else.”

Damn, if it wasn’t for my baby brother skipping out on me to attend medical school, I wouldn’t have been in this predicament. Adrian was much like me and ran this place with an iron fist. On the other hand, Pretty wasn’t even intimidating for real.

As soon as I stepped out of the conference room, my phone vibrated with a message.

Genika:Regardless of how you feel, we made this baby together. You’re the last person I expected to come at me like I’m some woman off the street.

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