Page 6 of Secret Baby for Dr. Grump

“Seven years ago?—”

“We met once. Spent time once. Then we parted ways and went on with our lives.”

We had a connection. I gave you my number. But you never called.

I tilt my head, wanting to ask why she didn’t. But I’m also becoming highly aware that I’m making a fool of myself, still reeling while Olivia remains unfazed.

I narrow my gaze. “One question.”

“What?”

“How long have you known that I work here?”

“About half an hour.”

That explains why she wasn’t shocked. She had some time to prepare while I was blindsided.

“I see.”

At my words, Olivia looks up again. The aloof look is still there, but for the first time, there’s a flicker: something soft coming in, as if she recalls the past, too. Then it’s gone in the blink of an eye as she clears her throat.

“Dr. Jennings…”

“Yes?”

She takes a deep breath. “I know something happened between us in the past. But it was fleeting and it was years ago. I know this is forward of me, but I want you to know that when I applied and came here, I had no idea who you were or that I would be working for you. Or with you. This job, it’s important to me. I can’t lose it and I would appreciate it if we don’t mention our past ever again.”

Translation: I want nothing to do with you.

An irrational spark of hurt burrows in my chest even while my analytical mind understands what she’s saying. While I’m feeling that, I also can’t help but think how beautiful she looks now. The years have been good to her, filling her body out and turning her even more radiant.

My fingers itch to reach out, an urge that I don’t have any right to.

Forbidden. Off-limits.

And rejected.

She wants to pretend the past doesn’t exist, does she? That what happened between us was nothing more than a quick fuck? Fine.

Two can play at that game.

I keep looking at her while I suck all my thoughts in, including my reaction to her presence. I tuck it all away until I’m back to the man I was before I saw her today, with walls around me that no one can touch.

Then I nod at her.

“We’re professional adults, Miss Davis. That’s fine by me.”

Her stiff shoulders relax a bit, but I don’t give her time to do or say more.

“Anyway, I’ll be doing surgery assistance in an hour. And I expect you to know that and all my other schedules by lunchtime.”

Her eyes widen when I point at my desk, where files are piled high and in disarray. Then she straightens and nods.

“Yes, sir.”

Hell.

“Dr. Jennings will do.” My voice is cool and composed, mirroring hers. “This is a great hospital, by the way, and you should feel honored that you got in.”

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