Page 85 of Choosing a Forever
Enoch crosses his arms and puffs out his chest. “I’ll have you know I’m on a self-imposed dating break until I can get my dream girl to go out with me.”
Oh no.
“You’re nottalking about—”
“Lizzie? Hell yeah, I am, brother. I knew the minute I saw her I wanted her. Love at first sight. She’s playing hard to get, but I’ll win her over. I’ve got a tattoo appointment scheduled for May—a big piece—so we’ll be spendinglotsof time together.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Isn’t there some type of ethical code or something that says she can’t date clients? Like nurses or doctors?”
Enoch shrugs and waves me off. “I don’t know about a code, but I’m just getting the one from her, so it won’t be a problem. I’ll charm her while I’m in the chair and impress her with my pain tolerance. Then, when it’s finished, I’ll ask her out, and wham! She’ll be my wife.”
“Wife?That’s a bit of a stretch, isn’t it?”
“Nah. Besides, we’ll be brothers-in-law if I marry her. Don’t you want me in your family?”
“I don’t think that’s how it works,” Travis interjects quietly.
Enoch glares at him, and I chuckle. “He’s not wrong. Lizzie and Mack aren’tactuallyrelated.”
“Semantics. Either way, we’d be seeing a lot more of each other.”
“Just what I want,” I deadpan, and Enoch rolls his eyes.
Chief Johnson comes stomping into the break area before Enoch can respond, and both men shoot to their feet. I gently stand, giving Chief a nod.
“Gentlemen, Relief Society is usually reserved for Sundays. What gossip could be so good it’s keeping you from cleaning the bathrooms?”
Did I mention he’s kind of a misogynistic asshole?
“Nothing of importance, sir, but we’ve already done all the tasks on the list today,” I pipe in. As Captain, I take it upon myself to advocate for my crew, and even though Chief is technically in charge, I won’t let him bully my men.
Chief’s signature frown remains in place as he opens the fridge, probably checking for moldy food. He won’t find any, though, because we keep our kitchen tidy and organized.
“Monson, when are you off of desk duty?” he barks.
“I should be back in two weeks, sir. I just need to be signed off on by a physical therapist.”
He gives me a curt nod. “Good. You’ve been missed. Now, no more chitter-chattering. Find something to do. Monson—no more tripping over rugs, got it?”
“Yes, sir.”
With a final nod, he stomps out of the break room and down the stairs to his office.
“Well, I guess I’ll go… double-check the fuel levels,” Travis says, scurrying off without waiting for our reply.
Enoch shakes his head before checking the time and heading towards the kitchen. He’s on lunch duty today, but I won’t be sticking around since I have an appointment.
“Hey, Tal?” Enoch calls from the fridge.
“Yeah?”
“I know I tease you about your sex life, but I’m not trying to be a dick. Truth is, I’m rooting for you and Mack. I guess I’m just… I guess I’m jealous.”
I make my way over to one of the barstools and sit down. “Jealous? Of what?”
“The way you two look at each other. The love between you two is so obvious, it’s nearly palpable. I know I talk a big game, but I’m kind of terrified I’ll never find a love like yours, terrified I’m doomed to die alone.”
Enoch and I may be best friends, but I don’t usually see this side of him. The vulnerable side he hides behind jokes and lewd comments.
