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“Mr. Pennington, my name is Charlotte.” I avoid his gaze and choose to stare down at my plate as if it’s the most interesting thing I’ve seen in my entire existence. I can’t look at him. Those dark brown eyes will be assessing me, and he’ll see too much. He’ll see that I wanted those smiles directed at me, that I wanted to talk about our grades and mutual classes, not compete. He’s been my rival for as long as I can remember, but deep down, that’s not what I wanted us to be. That’s just… who we were, and I’ve accepted that. That’s all we ever will be. Well, until a few hours ago when I found out Spencer Pennington is no longer just my college rival. He’s my new boss.
CHAPTEREIGHT
Spencer
She’s ignoring me while she picks at her food. I know this because I can’t take my eyes off her. I’ve sifted through every conversation I’ve ever had with Dr. Phillips and all the documentation that I’ve read about this practice, and never once did her name come up.
Not once.
Dr. Phillips always refers to her as their practice administrator, and her name isn’t listed on their website and, of course, on none of their financials. I knew that she also worked in healthcare. I just didn’t know in what capacity. I feel as though I’ve been duped, but I’m the only one to blame here. I should have done more research. Fuck, I should have asked her where she was working. I’ve had plenty of chances over the years, but I spend my time verbally sparring with her instead of asking the important questions. No wonder she shot my ass down all those years ago.
“How long have you worked here?” I ask to kill the void of silence that stretches between us.
“First job after grad school.” Her tone is clipped, and it pisses me off.
“Me too, thanks for asking,” I snark back at her.
“Didn’t ask, don’t care.”
“Is that how you speak to your boss?” I taunt. Her shoulders stiffen, and I know that I’ve struck a nerve. Fuck, why do I always have to be an ass where she’s concerned?
“You’re not my boss yet.”
“But I will be. All that’s standing between making that happen is my signature on the contract in my briefcase.”
She shrugs. “Won’t be for long.”
“Oh? Dr. Phillips didn’t tell me that you were leaving.” The thought that she’s changing jobs doesn’t sit well with me.
“I wasn’t until a few hours ago.” She lifts her eyes to mine and meets my stare head-on.
“You’re leaving because of the buyout?” I ask, but I don’t need confirmation. The answer is written all over her face.
“Is that a real question?” she sasses.
Before I get the chance to reply, the door to the conference room opens, and in steps Dr. Phillips. “Good, the two of you have had lunch. Mr. Pennington, I look forward to hearing from you after you’ve toured the other locations.” He gives me a kind smile before turning his gaze to Charlotte. “Charlotte, Mr. Pennington is to have full access to anything regarding the practice. You two be safe, and let me know if there is anything else you might need.” With a nod, he leaves just as quickly as he entered, closing the door softly behind him.
“Are you done?” Charlotte asks, nodding to my half-eaten sandwich.
“Are you?” I raise my eyebrows in question, and we both know I’m not asking if she’s finished with her food.
“I’m working on it.” She stands and gathers her trash, tossing it into the can next to the door. “I need to grab my things. I’ll be right back.” She pulls open the door and rushes down the hall, and no way am I sitting here waiting for her.
I’m on my feet, tossing my lunch in the can with hers and following her down the hall. When I reach her office door, I pause and watch her. She has both hands braced on her desk, and her head is bowed, but I can tell by the rise and fall of her shoulders, she’s breathing heavily. My eyes scan the room, and I smile when I see a picture of her and Audrey on the bookshelf at what looks like Charlotte’s college graduation.
Not willing to take my eyes off her for too long, I turn my gaze back to the woman in front of me. “I’ll drive.” It’s lame, but the best that I’ve got. If I try to say anything to make this better for her, I’m going to end up pulling her into my arms, and I wouldn’t give a single fuck who in this office sees me do it. It’s best if I steer clear for now.
“You can follow me.” She stands to her full height and squares her shoulders as if she’s ready for a fight.
“That’s ridiculous. Why should we take both cars? It’s better for the environment if we only take one.”
“Then I’m driving.”
“Nope.” I take a step into her office. “Maybe we should call Dr. Phillips and get his take on the matter. I’m sure he’ll see things my way.”
She opens her mouth to reply, and I’m sure, fire back at me but quickly closes it. “Whatever. Can we just go so that we can get this day over with?”
“After you.” I step back and motion for her to lead the way out of her office. Once she’s next to me, I place my hand at the base of her spine, and she immediately stiffens. “Just being a gentleman,” I whisper just for her.
