Page 6 of Trailer Trash

I walk past his bed, knowing he’s watching. It’s hard not to with my body type. I’m short, thick, and known for one thing:

My ass.

I wish my body wasn’t the primary trait. I’m used to it. I’m even proud of my curves, but still, it’d be nice to be appreciated for my work ethic or outgoing personality.

Also, there are times I wish I could hide my body when certain men look at me.

Men like Killian.

I don’t see his nurse from the doorway. I page her since I can’t leave the room, and soon, she appears with a medicine cup. The pill is small, and he notices immediately.

“My dad lowered my dose?” he growls.

The nurse nods. “He wants you discharged soon and made that clear to your doctor.”

At St. Augustine’s, Clark Easton’s desires have a way of becoming doctors’ orders.

“Give me the pill,” Killian grumbles.

She does, then leaves.

I am already in my seat, reading my book.

In my peripheral vision, his tethered hand barely reaches a piece of paper on the bedside table, which he crumples and flicks. It sails across the room, hitting my arm.

“My dad doesn’t pay you to read.”

I close my book and sigh. “I heard you were funny. When does that start?”

His eyebrows lift, surprised. “Day five. What else have you heard about me?”

“That you’re the hospital owner’s son. That you’ve overdosed several times. That you’re a troublemaker.”

He nods. “You mean, I’m a fuck-up.”

I gasp. “No! I didn’t say that. I didn’t mean to offend—”

“It’s fine. I am.”

I hold my lower lip between my teeth and tap my fingertips together, searching for something professional to say.

“Chill, Harlow,” he soothes. “I know what I am. What about you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Just a lowly CNA?”

“Lowly?“ I huff.

What a dick!

His dad surely told him about different hospital jobs. Hell, everyone knows certified nursing assistants work hard, are paid little, and are often treated like shit.

And based on his smug expression, he’s proud to have found a button.

Still, I compose myself, lift my chin, and speak in a formal tone.

“Yes, I have been a CNA at St. Augustine’s for two years, and—”