Page 27 of Dr. Intern

And there it is—the same old overbearing big brother. Just when I thought he had gained a few points of emotional intelligence, he goes and does something like this. It always seems like one step forward and two steps back with him.

“So, what, you’d rather I move out so that your buddy can move in?” I demand, crossing my arms against my chest.

Honestly, I totally would move out. But I have nowhere to go, and this condo is the last thing I have that ties me to my mom. I still feel her all around me, and I’m not ready to let go of that yet.

“No, Claire, that’s not what I’m saying at all,” Parker tries to clarify.

“It kind of seems like that’s what you’re saying,” I fire back, working hard to keep my voice steady.

“Do you have a problem with him? You two seemed okay at the memorial.”

I groan, feeling like I’m talking to a brick wall. “He’s fine.”

Parker smiles, taking those words as my submission to his grand plan. “Good, because he’s bringing his stuff over tonight.”

Chapter 11

Claire

There is genuinely nothing better than Southern Charm on Bravo. Not only is the show an incredibly accurate representation of Peter Pan Syndrome, where the men in the South simply refuse to grow up, but it also has the best drama and makes me feel like my own life is a little less chaotic.

I mean, at least I’m not hooking up with my best friend’s ex-boyfriend and lying to her face about it. I just have my brother’s best friend, who saw my tits and then ghosted me, moving into my home without my consent.

Life’s all about perspective.

Just as the drama on the screen starts heating up, several loud bangs come from the area outside my room.

I guess my new roommate is here.

Sighing, I press the volume button on the remote, desperate to drown out the noise and keep as far away from him as possible. I thought about leaving for the night, but quickly realized that the only place I had to go was Parker and Cassidy’s house, and I couldn’t hang with Cass without the threat ofParker lurking. And he’s on my shit list right now, so his stupid face is the last thing I want to see.

Unfortunately, that left me with only one option—locking myself in my room and avoiding Beau Buffington at all costs.

When I’ve settled into the show and almost forgotten about my unwanted houseguest, a loud knock echoes through my bedroom door, shooting my pulse through the roof. My eyes fly to the door, and I can see the shadows of his feet darkening the bottom of the frame.

Maybe if I pretend I’m asleep he’ll go away.

The thumping continues, followed by a deep southern voice murmuring my name as if it’s the most beautiful word in the English language. I’d almost forgotten how sensual he sounds, and I instantly sit up and hold my breath, hoping he can’t detect the rapid beating of my heart through the door.

“Claire,” he repeats himself, my name like honey on his tongue, as if he’s purposely drawing out syllables that aren’t normally there. “I know you’re home.”

Beau knocks on the door a third time, and my trance quickly shifts into irritation. Who the hell does he think he is banging on my door at midnight? Some of us require sleep. Not that I’ll be getting any with this brute living in my condo, but that’s beside the point.

“I’m sleeping,” I yell, hoping it’ll shut him up and make him go away. I turn off the TV and burrow under my covers to emphasize my point.

“And I’m Beau,” he replies, his amusement echoing through the door. “Just wanted to say hi to my new roommate.”

“Hi,” I reply, my voice normal now that I don’t have to yell over the TV. “It’s midnight. Can this wait until tomorrow?”

“I was wondering if it was okay if I cleaned up a bit? There’s stuff in the sink you know.”

Oh god, is he some sort of clean freak? The kind of guy who makes you put your dishes in the dishwasher facing a specific direction? If that’s the case, he’s going to hate living with me.

“Sure, do whatever you want. Just let me sleep,” I concede.

“Whatever I want?” he drawls. His words inexplicably send a flush of warmth to my cheeks.

“Within reason. Goodnight, Beau.”

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