Page 46 of The Love Operation

I shake my head. “For you, maybe. You’re a man. No one questions your decisions. But no one would look at me the same. I can’t afford to let people think I took a shortcut.”

His fingers slide absently over my hand where it rests on the counter. “Are you absolutely sure you want to be chief? It’s a lot of extra work, and—”

“Isaac.”

“Just checking.” He smirks. “Well, I want to date you, and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen.”

I exhale, watching the way his fingers lightly trace the edge of my knuckles. The weight of the moment settles between us.

“Would you be willing to recuse yourself from the committee?” I go there—because I have to know.

His mouth forms a grim line. Then his shoulders drop. His voice is quiet but firm. “I’ve only been in this role four months. A job like mine doesn’t open often—or easily. It took a lot to get here, and I’m still proving myself.” He shakes his head, the look on his face pleading but resolute. “I can’t recuse myself.”

I nod slowly, heat crawling up my neck. I hadn’t thought about the risks he’d be taking. Not really.

“I respect that,” I say. “In a lot of ways, we’re in the same boat.”

And honestly? Even if he did step down—it wouldn’t matter. He’d still be COO of the hospital where I work. That title alone is enough to keep us apart, at least until I’m safely tucked into the chief role.

We’re both silent.

Then I say, “Maybe we wait. Once I’m in the position, our dating would matter less for both of us. The final decision will be made by the end of summer. Dr. Vaughn will train his replacement, and by the time I get established, no one could say I didn’t earn my place. So we could try this early next year.”

His eyes widen. “It’s barely spring. You want to wait three whole seasons? By then, you could’ve met someone else, fallen in love, and gotten engaged.” He shakes his head, jaw tightening. “I don’t think I could just sit back and watch that happen.”

His jealousy gives me butterflies. “I just don’t see another option.”

His fingers are still on mine, and his light touch sends a shiver up my arm to match the one already happening in my stomach. “Well, there is one more if you’re willing to consider it.”

I wait, eyebrows lifted.

“What if we don’t tell anyone?”

My muscles tighten.

He watches me carefully, gauging my response as he explains, “We date, but we keep it quiet. That way, no one questions your merits.”

I shake my head. “It’s too risky.”

“You’re a woman who takes risks.”

I let that soak in. It’s exactly what I’m doing with Delenn’s study. But that’s different. “Those are calculated,” I counter.

“Then calculate this one.” His voice is low, like fingers down the inside of my abdomen. “Would it be worth it?”

I sigh. “How do I know you’re worth it?”

He chuckles, a deep, rich sound. “Most things in life worth having are complicated. But that second question? That’s one only you can answer. I already know my answer.”

I swirl the rest of my wine, remembering Delenn’s words about Benedict, about whether I’ve ever let someone in the same way since. I think about how all my other relationships have failed, even when I didn’t see it coming. What if ours fails before I get the position?

Then I think about how I never want fear to stand in the way of getting something I want.

The room is quiet as I pour Isaac another glass of wine, then sip my own. The air is thick with possibility.

Finally, I push back from the counter. “I’m hungry.”

His brows lift. “Do you want to go out? Get something?”