Page 31 of Bloom: Part 1

I couldn’t let that happen.

Although the urge was strong to stalk to Logan’s office, I went to the information desk instead. The woman sitting at the desk looked familiar. She rolled her eyes as I approached.

“Dr. Collier has given strict instructions not to be contacted if you show up,” she said before I could get a word in.

“I am not here to see Dr. Collier.”

Her eyebrows skyrocketed up her forehead. “You’re not?”

“No. I’m here to see Dr. James Dehaney.”

“Dr. Dehaney?” She frowned. “May I ask why?”

“It’s none of your business. Just let him know I’m here.”

“You know, if you want someone to help you, that’s not how you should speak to them.”

“Oh, you mean be respectful the way you are? Honey, if you want to go home tonight, you’ll do what I ask.”

Her face turned red. “Don’t think I won’t call security.”

“You think they’d make it here before you hit the floor? Don’t be difficult. I don’t want to hurt anyone. Just get on the phone and tell Dr. Dehaney Bloom is here to take him up on his offer.”

She punched in a number. After a minute, she slammed the phone on its hook. “He’s on his way.”

“Now it’s not so difficult to stay alive, is it?”

I walked over to a row of chairs and sat. My leg was beginning to ache.

I hope it leaves a scar. That way, whenever I see it, I’ll be reminded of him.

After a few minutes, Jamie entered the waiting room. He stopped by the information desk and spoke to the woman, then came over to me.

“Hey, Bloom. You gotta stop threatening the staff, you know. It’s getting out of hand, and they might actually think you’re serious.”

“Who says I’m not serious?”

He rolled his eyes and took the seat next to me. “I know you’re tough, but you’re not completely heartless. Plus, if you hurt any of our staff, you can kiss your chances with Dr. Collier good-bye.”

Damn him, but he was right, and I hated that he could read me so easily. Was I that predictable? Was everyone getting a kick out of prying into my brain?

“Don’t act like you know anything about me.” I scowled, but he remained unbothered.

“You’re right. I don’t know you, but I know you’re obsessed with my superior. Too obsessed to do anything that would come between you two.”

“Well, there’s not much of an us. You said you could help.”

“Are you finally accepting my offer?”

“Don’t make this into a thing.”

“How can I not? Do you know how in awe the other boys are of you?”

“You’re just saying that. You all wanted to gut me for Max.”

Jamie chuckled. “Can you blame us? You were all over his boyfriend when you blew into town. How were we supposed to know Crowe’s like a father to you? But that’s so long ago that we’ve put it behind us. You and Max get along well now.”

“Yeah, yeah, I don’t care about all that. Will you help me with Logan or what?”

---