Page 21 of Examined

“I’m sorry, doctor,” she whispered.

When he saw a tear roll down one of her cheeks, Dr. Harris’ heart melted. Lifting her chin with his fingers and smoothing the tear away with his thumb, he waited until she met his gaze.

“If you wanted to see me, Kirsten, you could have just asked.”

“Ask? You mean, like…”

“Like two adults who want to see each other more often.”

A smile lit up her face, but then a hesitance crept into her eyes, as if she wanted to make sure she was understanding his meaning correctly before allowing herself to get excited.

After a pause to decide whether or not to continue being a terrible, terrible hypocrite, he spoke again. “Before I ask you to dinner, though, I do have something of my own to confess.”

“Something to confess? What do you mean?”

“You weren’t the only one who’s been deceptive. Do you remember how you were called in for a quick ‘random employee wellness exam’ a couple of weeks after we met at the CTF?”

“Yeah… that was the first time I realized you weren’t still working at the CTF.”

“You weren’t randomly selected. I chose you specifically, partly because I couldn’t wait any longer to see you again, but also because I wanted you to know about my new position here.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re the reason I took this job.”

Confusion and excitement seemed to be warring for control of her expression.

“I had offers from several large corporations—as I said, I’ve built a solid reputation over the years—but only one of those companies could offer the perk I wanted most.”

“Me?”

Dr. Harris nodded, then stepped closer to Kirsten and pulled her in for a hard, leave-her-in-no-doubt kiss. He could feel her surprise melt into desire as she surrendered herself fully to it.

“Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?” he asked, finally breaking the kiss.

“I would love that!”

“I must warn you that you’ll be sitting at the table with a bottom that’s sore inside and out. You’ve been a very naughty girl, and as long as I run this clinic, naughty girls will be punished.”

Kirsten’s blush returned instantly.

“There’s one more thing. You’ll be starting a new job tomorrow.”

“What do you mean?” she asked, worry obvious in her voice.

“During my conversation with your boss regarding your situation, it became clear to both of us that your current position is no longer the best fit for you.”

“You mean they’re firing me?” Kirsten asked, her eyes widening with sudden panic.

“No,” said Dr. Harris. “You’ll be transferring to a new position that has just opened up. I’ve been needing an administrative assistant for a while, and I’ve decided that will be you.”

“Yes… yes, sir.”

He liked the sound of that.

Now it was time to show his new assistant that her new boss meant business.

“Do you remember what I told you would happen if you were sent back to me again for treatment for the same issues?”

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