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Who knew that having an assistant could be even more work than working alone?
In truth, Tammy was sure that in a few weeks, once Cassius was up and running, it would be a serious reduction in her workload. But right now, as she was trying to explain to him the — admittedly insane — system she’d been using to organize all the medical notes, it felt as though everything was taking twice as long.
It wasn’t Cassius’ fault. He was a lovely, if rather reserved, guy, and was clearly extremely bright. Maybe part of the problem was that he was so much older than her, and it didn’t feel right to be ordering him around. Like, if anything,heshould be the lead doctor in the surgery.
But, as he’d repeatedly said, he didn’t want to do it. ‘I’ve lived that life,’ he’d said. ‘And I’m happy to take the backseat. Plus, you’re much more organized and smart than I was at your age.’
She’d laughed when he’d said that, but she’d also appreciated it greatly. Her father had made her feel like she wasn’t good enough for so long. Ever since escaping from the house with her three Irish knights, she’d realized exactly how messed up the situation had been. Her father wasn’t an evil man, but she had needed this clean break from him. One day, she’d get in touch with him and have a frank discussion about it all. But only when she was ready, and only when it was completely on her terms.
Now, it was nearly the end of a long day, and Tammy was talking Cassius through some changes to medical procedure that had occurred over the last ten years.
‘I’m sorry this is taking me so long to get my head around,’ he said. ‘It’s been a long time since I’ve been a general family doctor. If it’s too much for you, just let me know, and I’ll try to do it by myself.’
‘No, don’t worry,’ she replied. ‘I’m sorry if my head’s not totally in the game. I’ve got an action-packed evening ahead of me. I know it’s not very professional to be thinking about having fun, but I can’t help it.’
‘Don’t be silly!’ Cassius said. ‘The day’s nearly over. I’ve seen the way you work — you’re a very serious, professional doctor. I’ve been hugely impressed with your work ethic. Believe me, there’s not a single person on the planet who doesn’t think about the weekend on Friday afternoon.’
Tammy smiled and somehow managed to stay focused. Until, of course, at exactly 5pm, when there was a brisk knock at the door. She looked at Cassius as if asking permission.
‘Don’t need to ask me, boss,’ he said, warmly.
The concept for the evening was simple. Three brothers. Three dates. One Friday night. Of course, Tammy doubted it would be that straightforward. And when she saw Conor, her fears were partially confirmed.
‘What on earth…? I thought we were going on a date?’
Conor was wearing a pair ofveryshort shorts and a tight runner’s vest. As soon as she saw him, he thrust a running outfit and pair of running shoes toward her.
‘Jogging is the ultimate date.’
She gave him a look.
‘OK, I guess it’s not, y’know, a traditional Valentine's Day date, but trust me, this is gonna be epic.’
‘We’ll see,’ she said, taking the running stuff with a huff.
‘Keep up!’
Tammy wasn’t much of a jogger, but somehow, this early-evening run was making her feel amazing. As she and Conor paced through the roads of Liberty, her heartrate steadily increased she began to feel a mild euphoria.
‘I’m gonna overtake you soon!’ she called, picking up her speed.
‘Looks like the runner’s high has kicked in!’ Conor laughed.
There was so much to see out here! All the wild plants, poking up through the paths, the distant trees and gorgeous, rolling hills, surprise wildlife — birds and small rodents, skittering in front of her.
Conor was leading the way, but wasn’t running off miles ahead. He had to take it easy on his leg, but besides that, Tammy got the feeling that he didn’t want to make her feel bad. She was trying to figure out where he was leading her, when, to her surprise, he turned around and started jogging back the way he’d come.
‘Now’s your chance to catch up.’ She loved that smile — so cheeky and warm. Every time he smiled, it was like they were sharing a private joke, something naughty and secret that made her feel stupidly close to him.
‘Big mistake,’ Tammy puffed. She moved even faster. She was no doubt going to be a sweaty mess if she ever did catch up, but who cared? Not her, that’s for sure.
Just as she was about to reach Conor, he let out a whoop of elation and… jumped into a bush.
‘What the…?’ Tammy said, stopping dead in the road and panting heavily.
‘Come on,’ Conor said. ‘I’m waiting.’ It sounded, for a moment, as though he was struggling with something. Tammy’s interest was well and truly piqued.
She stepped into the greenery, only to discover — to her delight — that Conor was waiting in there, naked.
