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Taking this advice to heart, I give myself a mental pep talk.I can do this.I’m so close to having this exclusive launch with Lingerie Deluxe. If I get this, and it goes well, it will save my business. My eyes glide back to Six-Pack and nerves kick in.
“All right. Let’s do this,” I murmur while stuffing my cell phone into my bag before stepping out and walking towards the club.
6
BRIAN
I listen to the words while staring at the new upholstered chair in the corner of the doctor’s office.
“I think it’s time to schedule you for surgery to place an ICD, Brian. With your ECG showing increasing irregularities, I cannot stress enough the urgency of this procedure.”
My heart sinks at my doctor’s grave expression. And my anxious mind comes up with reasons to postpone.
“I’ve got a club to run. It’s my livelihood, and things are hectic at the moment. I can’t just take a few days away from it. I’ve got to make arrangements first.”
He nods. “I understand, but I don’t want to wait too long. The dizzy spells and heart palpitations that you’re experiencing show that the medication is ineffective in managing your heart condition. This means we have to take this precaution.”
I inhale a deep breath and nod in understanding. “You’re sure an operation is the best solution?”
He nods solemnly. “Yes. An ICD will monitor your heart rate and rhythm twenty-four hours a day as a preventative measure. And it’s able to give your heart a shock when it senses a dangerous, irregular heartbeat. Without it… I don’t have to tell you the consequences; you know them too well.”
A wave of nausea hits me as the memory of my father’s untimely death comes to mind, making me grip the armrests of my chair tightly in fear of what might befall me.
“Yes, but like I said, I need a few weeks to make sure the club is in good hands. Can we wait till then?”
He gives me a resolute nod, and I clasp his hand and mumble a thank you before leaving.
Back in my car, I hit the steering wheel with a thud as a tornado of emotions swirls within me.
What the hell am I going to do?I’m not telling my friends. No way. I don’t want them to worry about me. Seeing my mom doing so is already too much. She tries to hide it, but I see it. Her eyes speak a thousand words—it’s heartbreaking.
Maybe I can come up with a plan that doesn’t involve telling them. Like say, a business trip or something. Surely there must be another way. Amanda’s face flashes through my mind. She can’t know. I don’t want her to worry about me. I’ll do anything to keep that beautiful smile on her face. Sighing, I start the car and head to the club.
But as soon as I enter Six-Pack, I’m shocked to see Amanda at the bar, talking to Darius, who says something to her that makes the waterfall of brown hair sway as she spins around to face me.
I grit my teeth when her espresso eyes lock onto mine, and I imagine how it would feel to gaze into them while lying on top of her. My dick twitches.
“What are you doing here?” I say head-on as I stop beside her.
She blinks, clearly surprised by this welcome.
“Well, I—”
My phone interrupts, and I answer it. When I hear who it is, I gesture to her to follow me.
As we walk through the bar and hallways, Sharon, one of my employees, rattles off about a family emergency. By the time we reach my office door, she’s done explaining what’s wrong.
“My condolences, Sharon. I understand the situation, so don’t worry and take your time. Call me when you’re back and ready for work.”
Placing the phone on my desk, I stalk over and grab a bottle of Johnny Walker from my liquor cabinet, pouring a bottom into a tumbler. This day just keeps getting better.
“Problems?”
Spinning back, I find Amanda leaning against my desk. My mind gets distracted by the way her breasts get pushed up and accentuated in her elegant, form-fitting, silk blouse. Whether it’s day or night, business or casual, Amanda Brown is a fashionista at heart. Who I’m sure can slay the hell out of a potato sack if needed. I shift my attention up and get a reality check when I see the hesitation in her gaze.Something is up.
“What brings you over here?” I ask.
“Business,” she states while her attention wanders through my office.
