Page 385 of 5+Us Makes Seven

He cupped my hand with his, his beautiful green eyes peering into mine. “I understand. I just wish you talked with me about it. I want you to believe in me, Chloe, because I care about you.”

My heart picked up its pace immediately. “You care about me?”

“Yes. I care about you, and I won’t allow you to stay without your job no matter what. I want you to advance your career and become more successful, and I believe you’ll be able to achieve that if you stay in my hospital.”

I was floored, his highly encouraging words giving me a boost I needed.

“So even though I’m stepping away from the board and focusing more on my patients, you’re set for at least a year. They assured me they will keep you on the same position for the transition and when the next president comes. They will present you a new contract in a few days, which will contain this new clause. Of course, as I mentioned, I believe that if you keep working like this, you’ll be promoted soon.”

I smiled back at him, exhilarated at the prospect of being promoted. Even though it was early to talk about this, knowing that Bryce believed in me spoke volumes. I was relieved that I wouldn’t have to worry about my job, and now, after everything, I wondered why I had ever made such a fuss about his decision, jumping to conclusions too quickly.

“Thank you. You know, I’ve been lost before, searching for an adequate job that never came, so when I started working for you it was heaven-sent. I’ve finally found something that suits me and makes me happy, so hearing I won’t lose my job makes me ecstatic. Seriously, thank you.”

“No need to thank me, sweetheart. If there is anyone who should be thanking right now, that is me. You’re the one who made me see that I want more interaction with patients and time to do research. You helped me remember my real dream. I want to save lives. I want to do what really fulfills

me instead of just chasing more money.”

My smile grew huge, my chest expanding with powerful emotions. I wanted to reach out to him and kiss him senseless. “Really? I helped you?”

“Yes. You reminded me that money doesn’t really make me happy. Saving people’s lives does. Research and working with patients are more important than money.” He palmed my cheek and caressed it languidly. “I was able to change thanks to you, and I can’t even explain to you how much you helped me.”

“Oh, Bryce.”

I was elated. I was thrilled to see him like this—to see that spark in his eyes as he talked about medicine—and I wanted nothing more for him than to do just that. He would be truly happy, and nothing else mattered.

“Remember when I told you I researched about you? Well, I’ve read one of your interviews and I remember you said there is nothing better than saving a life. It makes me happy that you reflected on your choices and decided to make a difficult but the right choice. And I was so wrong for thinking you should stay at your position.”

I’d been selfish, thinking that maybe resigning from his position was unnecessary, without even considering what actually mattered to Bryce. I was thinking about my own future, completely disregarding the fact that Bryce would remain unhappy if he stayed in the charge of the hospital.

In the end, I couldn’t actually be happy if he was in the place that didn’t bring him what he needed.

“That was selfish and you didn’t deserve it—especially my cold treatment. So I’m sorry for how I acted these last few days.”

He slid his hand over my arm and across my neck, reaching my cheek. I leaned into his touch, closing my eyes as I basked in the feel of his skin against mine.

“You don’t have to apologize. I understand. So I just want you to relax now and enjoy this time with me.”

“I always enjoy spending time with you. And I’m so happy for you because you’re able to get back to what you really love.”

His gaze was incredibly soft, his fingers brushing past my lips on their way to my neck. I grew warm immediately, unaware of anyone in this place but him.

“There was something I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t have a chance. You got angry at me, and I kind of lost my opportunity...”

My breath hitched in my throat, something in the way he looked at me telling me he was about to say something truly important...

“Yes?” I encouraged him to continue.

“You made me feel something I’ve never felt before. These days you made me laugh, happy, relaxed, and so many other things I can’t even give a name to. You make me feel. So, this has quickly turned into something more.”

My mouth fell open. “What do you want to say?”

“You’re not just my assistant. You’re not just my lover either. You’re something much more to me, and I can’t get you out of my head. I want to spend all my time with you and see you smile.”

His thumb brushed my lower lip, making me shiver. “You have a beautiful smile, Chloe. You’re all beautiful.”

My heart was pounding too hard now, and I wasn’t able to say a word as I waited for him to continue...

“You’re so cute, smart, diligent, competent, and I can’t imagine my days without you. I fell for you, Chloe. And I want to be with you.”

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