Page 59 of Tempting

Are you on call tonight?

Kenzie

I am. It’s my last night. Why? Have you written your next lesson plan?

Nixon

I thought it could be more like a hands-on assignment. Why don’t you come over after you’re done?

Kenzie

It could be late.

Nixon

I’ll be awake.

Kenzie

Okay. I’ll text you when I leave.

Nixon

And Mac – plan on spending the night.

KENZIE

I’m not like other girls.

I know what I want for dinner.

I’ve been thinking about that shit since lunch.

—Kenzie’s Secret Thoughts

“Dr. Hayes.” I stop and take a deep, not at all calming breath before I turn around to answer Dr. Dick.

Twice in one day.

Aren’t I just a lucky duck?

Who the hell came up with that phrase anyway?

Why are ducks lucky?

The cute little guys have to swim like crazy just to stay afloat. Their little feet are going a mile a minute under the water, working hard as hell. Maybe it’s because while all of that is going on, they still look calm, cool, and in control. Holy shit. Do I envy a duck?

“Good evening, Dr. Richardson.”

“Are you heading out?” he asks as he looks me over, disdain remaining in his expression where a moment ago, there was something else.

I ended up with vomit on my dress today because why not end an extremely long week that way. I changed into my spare clothes and threw on my Hayes Revolution hoodie. Not exactly what I’d call hospital appropriate, but I’m leaving, not working. And I swear to God, if he gives me shit, I’m either going to nut-punch him or cry. It could go either way.

I smile sweetly and hope for the best because seriously, my give-a-fuck meter isn’t operating at full capacity at this point this week. I haven’t slept for more than a handful of hours in days. “I am.”

I stop myself from saying more because he doesn’t get to know anything else.

Why would I tell him how tired I am. Or that the last time I got a good night’s sleep was when I spent the night in Nixon’s arms. And he absolutely doesn’t get to know how desperately I want to be back there with him again.

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