Page 49 of Taking Her Medicine

Pointing out the biggest issue in our relationship wasn’t going to help the situation, but Aaron had talked so many times about his lack of a work–life balance.

Maybe my getting injured at our workplace—and my subsequent declaration to quit my job—was the kick in the pants needed to balance both of us.

* * *

I sat in the passenger seat of Aaron’s car with my legs curled up underneath me as we left the clinic. He suggested that I not drive for at least twenty-four hours. Knowing Aaron and how seriously he took my health, he would probably extend it through the weekend. My left wrist and shoulder throbbed along with my head, but I didn’t bring up the pain. Instead, in my mind I picked apart the issue with Leeann. I wasn’t sure why she’d worked her way under my skin, because Iwasn’tinsecure. Aaron was the answer to everything I’d been seeking for some many years and the fear of him being taken away by someone else broke my heart.

Ouch.

That was the issue. It was why I’d acted so strangely.

I should have talked it over with Aaron in more detail before sending my boss a message informing her of my intention to leave. She was surprisingly onboard. The issues with Leeann compounded all the reasons why I didn’t want to be in an office in the first place. It was easier to find another job than to work through my insecurities. If I’d given him the chance, Aaron would have helped me through them—but it was too late. At least he had already told me I had his support.

“What did Leeann say to you in the breakroom, kitten?” Aaron broke the silence, and I glanced over at him.

“She told Tanya that the two of you are spending a lot of time together. That you’ve been talking about getting into a relationship or something.”

“There is some truth to her statement, but only if you pull itwildlyout of context. I wasn’t talking about dating her.”

“What were you talking about?”

“Leeann has been desperately seeking a relationship, but she’s been closed off for a long time. She talks to me, but I had no idea she’d spin it like that to hurt you, kitten. Promise to come to me next time?”

“If I had just ignored her comments, I wouldn’t have gotten hurt. She seemed so convincing.”

“Where’s my promise?”

“I promise to talk to you first before jumping to conclusions, Daddy.”

“Good girl.”

“So, where is the truth in what Leeann said?”

“She picked up some shifts at the hospital since they’ve been chronically short staffed. We have talked a lot more. If she’s in the breakroom or the cafeteria when I’m there sometimes we sit near one another. But it’s not by choice.”

“It’sherchoice though.”

“Leeann used to be one of the best nurses in the emergency room. She was so professional, and well liked, but she’s gotten jaded.” He rubbed the steering wheel as he drove. “I’d really rather not talk about her anymore. She’s gotten you so upset.”

“Okay,” I sighed. “I’m also sorry about what I said earlier. You can’t drop all of your responsibilities and bring me to the lake house.”

“Actually, kitten, I made some phone calls, cashed in a few favors, and took leave time. After I’m satisfied your head is better, we’re going to take a road trip. You’ve got my undivided attention for the next week.”

“W-what?” I peeked over at him again. “It was awful of me to demand your time.”

“Tomorrow when you wake up, I want you to write in your sparkly notebook, two hundred times that you are Daddy’s good girl, and two hundred times that you are worthy of my attention. But you have until next Saturday to finish it.”

“I don’t have any pens,” I stated matter-of-factly. The truth was I didn’t want to be punished by having to write lines and I hadn’t expected him to reply like that.

“I don’t care what you write it in, as long as you do what I asked. Crayon, marker, pastels, just get it done, Zoelle. Am I understood?”

“Yes, Daddy.” At least I had banged up my left wrist and not the right one or I would have been writing with my feet. I stared at the side of his handsome face. “I’m sorry for wanting so much attention.”

“No, kitten, you don’t need to apologize. My schedule has been all over the place, but it’s got to change—and that’s on me. Too many hours spent working and not enough time spent on other things. There’s got to be a balance, Zoelle, but I haven’t found it.”

“What if you pick a number of hours—whatever the number is—that you work each week and you don’t go above it? So, if you’ve got a fixed number at the clinic—say, thirty-five—then you only do another ten at the hospital.”

“It sounds beautiful on paper. But it’s hard to just walk out of a busy emergency department.”

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