Page 98 of Auctioned to the Billionaire Surgeon

“Yeah. I did, too. But then I heard how you really felt about me. And I saw how concerned you were for me when you went drinking and dancing with your… new girlfriend, I guess? Then I realized that the only person who really wanted us to date after the contract was over was me.”

“She’s not my new girlfriend…”

“I don’t care. Fuck her all you want to now. We’re done.”

He flinched. “I won’t complain to Carmen. You’ll still get everything from the contract.”

“Thank you. I really do thank you for that.” I looked up into those beautiful gray eyes one last time. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like you to leave.”

“So, this is it then?”

I nodded. I really wanted to give him his bracelet back. But I loved it so much, and it was a symbol of what I’d thought we had together. So, I felt bad about it, but I was keeping it.

He opened up his arms. “One last hug?”

I wanted to hug him so badly. But I was afraid once his strong arms wrapped around me and I inhaled his woodsy scent, I’d be a goner. We’d tumble back into bed, and he’d keep me there for the next week and a half. No. I had to be strong.

I shook my head, tears forming in my eyes. “I don’t think so.”

He looked crushed but nodded. “I understand. I’m sorry I was an asshole.”

“Thanks.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Paolo

I saw her around the hospital occasionally after that. Sometimes I’d see her laughing with a group of nurses and doctors over lunch. I’d stop and stare at how beautiful she was. Sometimes she’d see me, and the laughter would die from her face, making me feel like a complete bastard. Other times, I’d pass her in the hall. At first, I’d tried to say hello to her, but that had felt awkward. I’d dropped it to a chin nod. Then finally to nothing. That’s what she seemed to prefer.

Still other times, I’d see her flirting with some guy. I knew she’d date after we were through. Of course I did. It’s just… I didn’t think I’d have to watch it happening. I guess that’s stupid. Even though we’re in different departments, we still see each other at the cafeteria and various other common areas of the hospital.

Sometimes I watched her when no one was looking. I know that sounds creepy as hell, but I missed her. I didn’t think I’d ever been as happy as I was when she was with me. I fucked it up so badly… and I couldn’t even tell her why. She’d just want me to stand up to Gia. I was willing to risk that for me. To call Gia’s bluff. But not Jelly. I wouldn’t risk letting Gia hurt her.

Still, I know I shouldn’t have let them be assholes to her at the dinner party.

Hell. I shouldn’t have let myself be an asshole to her. And why had I taken Gia out for drinks when I knew Jelly went home feeling bad? What a dick move! I should’ve gone straight home to Jelly and checked on her first. I should have insistedshe come with us.

Of course, then Gia might have outed Jelly and me. I winced thinking about what action the hospital might have taken against me if it leaked I was a member of the Salazar’s notorious gentleman’s clubs. Especially Cayenne. But nothing would be worse than all of West Bay finding out where Jelly had worked through college. It was shitty, but people forgave men for that kind of thing most of the time. But not women.

But there were some things I could’ve done. When she’d asked me where I’d been? I should’ve just come clean. Now she thought I was a liar in addition to being an asshole and a cheater.

Still, it didn’t matter. What’s done was done. Jelly’d made it clear. She wanted nothing to do with me. I couldn’t even blame her.

“Woolgathering?” Cleo snuck up on me.

“Yeah, I suppose. What does that expression even mean? Is it some ancient shepherding reference?”

“You know, I don’t know. I could look it up for you…”

“Not necessary.” I held up my hand.

“Are you excited about the hospital gala this weekend?”

“Define excited.”

She laughed. “I’m going to take that as a no, then.”

I smirked at her. “Good idea.”