Page 8 of Just Exes

Jay goes to his tray and grabs the needle. “This might hurt for a second, but it’ll feel much better when I’m done, trust me.”

Gage grits his teeth but doesn’t let out a sound when the small needle hits the opening in his cheek.

Jay hands me the needle to dispose of and pats Gage’s shoulder. “Nurse Barnes will do your sutures.” He holds his hand up and wiggles his fingers. “She has magic fingers. I’ll be sure to check up on you when she’s finished and get you set to discharge. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask Nurse Barnes or me.”

Gage nods. “Thanks, Doc.”

Jay’s attention turns to me while he takes off his gloves and tosses them in the trash. “I’ll see you tomorrow night?”

I smile. Jay is officially my favorite person. “Wouldn’t miss it. Clayton’s, right?”

He nods. “Seven o’clock.”

“See you at seven.” I run a hand over my mouth in azippingmotion. “And my lips are sealed, so no one finds out.”

Jay snaps his fingers and points my way. “And that’s why you’re my favorite woman.”

He shoots Gage a final look before leaving the room. Gage’s breathing turns heavy when I move back to his side, and his hands are balled into fists. He seems in more pain than he was before we treated him.

“Was that not enough to numb you?” I ask, tilting my head toward the door. “I can ask the doctor to give you another shot or maybe some pain medicine.”

“No need to do that,” he snaps, not looking at me.

“Okay,” I draw out. “Let me know if you change your mind. It’s no problem.”

The air seems thicker, and his anger over my supposed affair with my boss is stronger. I sigh while grabbing the needle holder and move next to him. He doesn’t say anything when I help him lie on his back, and the room is quiet while I start stitching him up.

It’s the first time I’ve treated someone I’ve been intimate with.

Not to mention, it’s Gage.

My Gage.

Well … used to be my Gage.

I should’ve walked out and told Natasha I couldn’t treat him.

Conflict of interest.

It is a conflict when the patient hates you, right?

I’m almost finished when he finally speaks, “That your husband?”

“Nope,” I answer.

“He was wearing a wedding ring.”

I look down at him with a gentle smile. “Was he? I’ve never noticed.”

If he could pull away from me, he would.

Disgust covers his features. “Never thought you’d go so low as to sleep with a married man.”

I don’t answer him as I tie the last suture. Nor do I when I inspect my work or when I clean up my mess and help him up. It doesn’t come until I throw my gloves away and grab the door handle.

“I wish you a speedy recovery, Officer.”

I shut the door and stalk to the restroom, controlling my tears until I hit the first stall and let them out.

---