I snorted.“You're not wrong.”
She flashed me a proud grin and my stomach jumped into my throat, like I’d missed a step going down the stairs.
We slipped into our usual routine, a quiet productive hum filling the air.Olivia effortlessly fielded calls and emails.I buried myself in blueprints and project timelines, stealing glances at her when I thought she wasn't looking.
Around 11 a.m., I noticed her shifting in her chair, a slight crease between her brows.She reached for her lower back, massaging it discreetly.I told myself it was none of my business, but when she did it again a few minutes later, I couldn’t hold back anymore.
“You okay?”
She looked up, startled.“Oh, I'm fine.Just a little stiff.”
I frowned, unconvinced.We worked in silence for a while longer, the only sounds the click of keys and the occasional rustle of papers.But still something wasn’t right.Finally, I rose from my chair and approached her desk.“Olivia?”
She looked up, her hazel eyes meeting mine.“Yes?”
I hesitated, unsure how to broach the subject.“Is everything okay?You seem...I don't know.Off.”
Her eyes widened.A flicker of alarm crossed her face before she schooled her features into a pleasant expression.“I'm fine, Carter.Really.”
“Bullshit.”She flinched.I took a breath and softened my tone.“Look, I'm not trying to pry.But if something's wrong, if you need help...”
She was quiet for a long moment, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth.“It's...complicated.”
I crossed my arms and perched on her desk.“I've got time.”
Olivia took a shaky breath and twisted her fingers in her lap.“For the last few years, I’ve had chronic pain in my”—she gestured toward her lap—”lady bits.Some days are better than others...”
She trailed off, her cheeks flushing pink.I was consumed by a rush of protectiveness, mixed with a healthy dose of rage at whatever cruel twist of fate had saddled her with such pain.
“Shit, Olivia.I'm sorry.”The words were inadequate, but I didn't know what else to say.
She shrugged, her mouth twisting in a wry smile.“It is what it is.I've learned to manage it, for the most part.”
“Is there anything that helps?”I asked, desperate to do something, anything, to ease her suffering.
Her smile softened.“Pete helps a lot, actually.Just having him around, it's comforting.”
I nodded, an idea forming.“Bring him.”
She blinked.“What?”
“Pete.Bring him to work with you.If he helps, then he should be here.”
Her jaw dropped.“Are you serious?You'd let me bring my dog to work?”
I shrugged, trying to play it cool even as my heart raced.“Why not?My house, my rules.If Pete helps you feel better, then he's welcome here.”
Tears welled up in her eyes and I panicked, convinced I'd said the wrong thing.But then she smiled, a brilliant, unrestrained smile that took my breath away.
“Carter, I...Thank you.That means so much.”
I thrust my hands into my pockets, uncomfortable with the intensity of emotion swirling between us.“It's nothing.Oh, and I have a friend—Mel.She's an OB/GYN.An expert in her field, but she takes a more holistic approach to medicine.I can give her a call, see if she can fit you in.”
“You'd do that for me?”
I shrugged again, avoiding her gaze.“It's no big deal.”
But it was a big deal.I was in deep, deep shit.Despite my father's warnings and my own iron-clad rules about keeping people at arm's length, I was falling for Olivia.Hard and fast and with no hope of stopping.And I had no fucking clue what to do about it.
