Page 11 of Doctor Hot Mess

The server clearsthe last of the plates, and Jonah leans back in his chair, stretching lazily. “A walk, a full stomach, and the perfect weather,” he says, his voice dripping with ease. “Feels like the ideal setup for a nap. Care to join me?”

I narrow my eyes at him over my iced tea. “In your dreams.”

“Every night,” he quips, flashing that infuriating grin.

I roll my eyes but can’t help the corner of my mouth twitching. “You’re relentless, you know that?”

“Only when I know it’s worth it,” he says, winking like it’s an Olympic sport. “But fine, I’ll let you off the hook—this time.”

I shake my head, letting the banter roll off me. It’s always been like this with Jonah: charming, playful, and just detached enough to make sure nothing ever gets too serious. But there’s a part of me, the stubborn part, that wants to remind him he doesn’t have that same pull with me anymore.

“Don’t act like you’re doing me a favor,” I say, smirking. “We both know your afternoon nap doesn’t involve anyone but you and ESPN.”

“Touché,” he says, raising his glass in mock surrender. “I’ll have you know, though, that my afternoons areveryeventful.”

“Sure they are,” I deadpan. “And I’m the Tooth Fairy.”

“More like Tinker Bell,” he teases, his grin widening. "But, seriously, you haven't seen my new place. I've moved since you left. I've done a lot of growing up in two years."

"I'm sure the core elements are still in place: pizza for dinner, no plants because you can’t commit, and your last date was probably ghosted before dessert.”

He laughs, unbothered. “Wow. That’s such a supportive tone for someone who’s allegedly my friend.”

“Exactly, I'm a real friend,” I shoot back, smirking. “I tell it to you like it is.”

His grin widens as he grabs a fry from my plate. “See, this is why I keep you around. Grounding influence.”

“Sure,” I say, snatching the fry back before he can eat it. “I’m also the only one who will call you out on your crap.”

Jonah clutches his chest like I’ve wounded him. “Harper, you crush me. I’m a hardworking, respectable surgeon.”

I roll my eyes. “You are a good surgeon, I'll give you that. But you still need a good ass-kicking.”

For a moment, it feels like old times—back when our banter was easy and untainted by anything deeper. We’ve always had this rhythm, a give-and-take that never took itself too seriously. It’s the part of Jonah I don’t mind. The part that made being friends with him easy.

But then he tilts his head, his grin turning just a little sharper, a little too knowing. “You know, since you’re back for a few months, maybe we should revisit that ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement. Strictly casual, of course. No pressure.”

The words hit me like a slap, sucking the air from the playful ease of the moment. “Excuse me? We never had anarrangement, Jonah.”

His grin falters slightly, though his tone remains annoyingly flippant. “I mean, it worked before, didn’t it? No strings, no expectations. Just... fun.”

My stomach turns as I set my drink down with deliberate precision. “Wow. Jonah, I don’t even know where to start with how offensive that is.”

He leans forward, his brows knitting together in confusion. “Harper, come on. It’s not?—”

“Not what?” I interrupt, my voice low and sharp. “Not dismissive? Not completely self-centered and immature? Because it feels pretty familiar.”

Heat rises up my neck as I sit there and look at his shaggy brown hair and blue eyes. These are his two secret weapons that allow him to do whatever he wants with women and have no repercussions.

I can't believe he has the audacity to say that to me. We never had an arrangement, and I never slept with him thinking I was just another one of his conquests. It was one time, and as soon as I saw he had no intention of treating me with respect, I accepted the travel nurse job to get the fuck out of this town.

He blinks, clearly taken aback, and for once, I think I see a crack in his confident façade. But I don’t give him the chance to respond. I stand, grabbing my bag, the sudden weight of disappointment pressing against my chest.

“Thanks for lunch,” I say curtly. “Enjoy the rest of your day.”

I walk away, leaving him at the table, his easy charm finally faltering in my wake.

FIVE

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