Page 10 of Strings Attached

"I'm her boss," Evander interrupts smoothly, though I notice a slight redness creeping up his neck. "But thank you, doctor. I'll make sure she follows your instructions."

The doctor nods, seemingly unfazed by her mistake. "Very well. I'll have a nurse come in to apply the compression bandage, and then you'll be free to go. Make sure to follow up with your primary care physician in a week."

As soon as she leaves, an awkward silence falls over the room. I chance a glance at Evander, only to find him already looking at me, his blue eyes intense.

"I'm sorry," I mumble, feeling the need to break the tension. "About all of this. I know you had important work to do today."

Evander shakes his head, his expression softening. "Don't apologize, Mireille. Your health is more important than any work."

His words mean a lot more than they should. Before I can respond, a nurse enters to apply the bandage. Evander steps back, but I notice his eyes never leave me, watching every wince and grimace as the nurse wraps my wrist tightly.

Once we're cleared to leave, Evander insists on driving me home. The car ride is quiet, but not uncomfortably so. I find myself stealing glances at him, noticing the way the setting sun casts shadows across his strong jawline.

As we pull up to my apartment building, I turn to thank him, but he's already out of the car and opening my door.

"You don't have to—" I start, but he cuts me off with a look.

"I'm walking you to your door, Mireille. No arguments."

I can't help but smile at his protectiveness. "Yes, sir."

We make our way up to my third-floor apartment in silence. At my door, I fumble with my keys, struggling to use my non-dominant hand.

"Here, let me," Evander says softly, gently taking the keys from me. Our fingers brush, and I feel that familiar spark of electricity between us.

He opens the door and steps back, allowing me to enter first. I turn to face him, suddenly very aware that we're alone, standing close in the dim light of my hallway.

"Thank you, Evander," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "For everything today."

He nods, his eyes never leaving mine. "Of course. I... I care about you, Mireille. Not just as an employee."

My breath catches in my throat. Is he saying what I think he's saying?

"Evander, I?—"

But before I can finish, he takes a step back, his professional mask sliding back into place. "Get some rest, Mireille. I don't want to see you in the office tomorrow—take the day off to recover. We'll discuss how to handle your work duties when you return."

I nod, trying to hide my disappointment at his sudden retreat. "Okay. Thank you again, Evander."

He gives me a small smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Goodnight, Mireille. Take care of yourself."

With that, he turns and walks away. I watch him go; my heart heavy with unspoken words. As I close my apartment door, I lean against it, letting out a long sigh.

What just happened? For a moment there, I thought... but no. Evander made it clear that whatever is between us can't go beyond the professional realm. No matter how much I might wish otherwise.

I move further into my apartment, wincing as I accidentally bump my injured arm against the wall. As I settle onto my couch, I can't help but replay everything in my mind.

Evander's concern, his insistence on taking me to the hospital, the way he stayed by my side throughout the examination—it all felt so... intimate. So far removed from our usual boss-employee dynamic. And then there was that moment at my door, when he said he cared about me as more than just an employee.

But then he pulled away, retreating behind that professional facade he wears so well. It's like he caught himself getting too close and had to put that distance back between us.

I groan, burying my face in my good hand. Why does everything have to be so complicated? Why can't I just have a normal crush on a nice, available guy instead of falling for my enigmatic, emotionally unavailable boss?

My phone buzzes, interrupting my pity party. It's a text from Lil.

Lil: Hey girl, heard about your accident. You okay? Want me to bring over some of my famous hot chocolate?

I smile despite myself. Trust Lil to know exactly what I need right now.

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