Page 24 of Always Heated

“Therapy, Zack. That woman deserves more than empty promises, and I sure as hell hope you’re not going to recycle the ring you gave me.”

“I’d never.”

“Good,” I snap and turn on my heel to march back inside, well aware that I am moments away from breaking all sorts of laws if I stay. As I pass the nurse station, Lucy says something to me, but I brush her off with, “Give me ten.” I don’t make itto the bathroom, finding the closest storage closet, swiping my ID for entry and rushing inside. The door clicks, and I crumple the floor, setting a timer for my emotional breakdown.

Ten minutes.

travis

. . .

As much as I’d love to see Cass, she’s likely busy with patients and I respect the work she does. I’m about to send a quick text, when I find a few missed ones from her.

Cass

Leg fracture?

I heard someone came in from the fire. Is it you? Are you okay?

I can only hope she figured out it wasn’t me. In case she hasn’t, I text back.

No, I’m okay.

As I’m about to continue typing, I hear her voice carrying, “You fucked another woman while we were exclusive. We’re not together anymore, so I don’t need an apology, she does.”

After a quick glance around, I find Cass on a benchwith…

Asshole.

He’s not though. Zack’s a good man, and I shouldn’t call him that, even if it’s only in my head. Except, she just claimed he cheated on her. I’m not above eavesdropping and listen in to the rest of the conversation.

From what I’ve gathered, he got someone pregnant while with Cass. How the hell do you cheat on someone like her? She’s someone who would give her last breath, if it meant you had one more. It doesn’t make sense. Maybe they weren’t exclusive when he hooked up with the other woman, but it doesn’t excuse any of it. Hell, I don’t remember the last time I had sex—it was well over a year ago—and I’d never dream of cheating on her. Cass is endgame, the finish line, the one I’m supposed to spend forever with.

She keeps her head down as she rushes inside, not noticing me off to the side. I don’t chase after her, even if my instinct is to wrap that beautiful blonde goddess in my arms. Whatever went on between her and Zack needs to simmer.

She’ll be off in the morning, and I’ll be waiting for her.

cassidy

. . .

After what has to be one of the worst shifts of my life, I pull up to my house, finding Travis’ truck parked out front. My emotional capacity is at its limit. As I throw the truck into park and shut off the engine, I squint to find him sitting on the porch. I received his text earlier, but purposefully didn’t click on it so he wouldn’t have a receipt marking it as read. When in doubt, it’s always easy to lie and say your phone died.

His large frame takes up the width of my steps. If I dare try to pass, he’d easily snatch me by the waist until we talk. Since he doesn’t know about Zack, I try for a safe option and ask, “How’s the worker from tonight?”

“Good to see you too, Cass.”Fuck. “He’s doing well, all patched up and should be sent home in the morning.” His jaw tics. “How was your burrito?”

“My burr— You?You’rethe one who’s been sending me dinner?”

“You’ve had a long night. Why don’t we get you cleaned up and… take a nap?”

I huff a laugh, crossing my arms over my chest. “A nap?” As much as I adore Travis’ witty banter, I can’t handle it right now. I shouldn’t be this defensive, but I’m tired, and my heart has been trampled on. I spent a year with a man who cheated on me. Thank fuck we always used condoms. When was I last tested? I think for a moment, and I had negative results a month ago and breathe easier.

“Yeah, a nap. I can’t promise I won’t wake you up with my tongue on your clit, but I’ve had a long week, you’ve had a rough night, so…”

“How do you know I had a rough night?” I cock an eyebrow.

Travis stands and slowly makes his way down my porch steps. Once he’s towering over me, I scream at my hormones to take a back seat; it’s not their time to shine, even if all I want to do is climb him like a tree. He slides his hand into my hair, resting his thumb on my cheek, as he closes the distance and kisses me. I melt into him, no matter how hard I try not to.

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