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Raking in one more fortifying breath, because I know I’ll need it, I pull out my notebook and pen, ready for another game of chess with the most infuriating Anderson of the bunch.
The devil strolls in, a lazy grin on his lips, his sky-blue shirt half-buttoned, revealing a swath of sun-kissed skin, his hair sticking out in multiple directions like he couldn’t be bothered to comb it.
It all works on him somehow—the handsome, I don’t take life seriously billionaire.
Too bad it’s fake though.
“He hurt you. I’ll kill anyone who hurts you.”
His fervent vow from that day causes the swarm of butterflies taking residence in my gut to flap their wings.
He looked murderous then. Unhinged.
He was utterly glorious.
He threw himself on top of me to save my life.
I shouldn’t be thinking like this. I shouldn’t be attracted to this behavior.
He’s your patient. He’s mentally unwell. This is ridiculous.
“My little Olive. Were you waiting for me? Sorry. Popular man, lots of appointments.” He winks and shrugs.
He reminds me of how pit bulls show you who they are with their menacing barks, but those fluff balls, Chow Chows? They may look like a stuffed animal but are among the most aggressive dog breeds in the world.
I press my lips together and tamp down my impulse to yell at him.
Calm. Professional. Poise. Don’t let him rile you, Olivia.
“Thanks for coming,” I say, making sure my voice is sweet. “Have a seat.”
His eyes widen, like he’s surprised I haven’t called him out about his tardiness.
Nope. Everything he wants me to do, I’ll do the opposite.
“You like your meat? Long, thick, and juicy?”
Argh! I bite my cheek as my face flames. The devil.
He arches his brow, and I take a deep breath, quashing down my inappropriate thoughts.
“So, I’m here. What’s on the docket, Doc?” He chuckles. “Docket…Doc, nice rhyme to it. Would make a good marketing slogan.”
Rex pulls up a chair across from my desk, sits down, and slides his hands behind his head. “It’s exhausting to be a genius sometimes.”
“I can imagine how tiring that can be, not being able to turn off your brain.” I return his perusal with a small smile.
A muscle twitches in his forehead and his eyes narrow slightly before relaxing.
“You look ravishing today, Olive. Not everyone can pull off the serious doctor look with that bun of yours. But you just look like a sexy librarian to me. Do you dress like this to tempt your patients?”
My smile strains against my lips.You asshole, you’re on.
I grip my pen tighter. “Are you tempted?”
“Definitely.” Those startling gray eyes darken.
“To do what?” My pulse shoots off to a rickety start.Don’t goadhim. Disengage, dammit.
