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“The second step is for you to keep doing what you’re doing, and we’ll take it from there.”
And that right there? That’s the motherfucking green light I didn’t know I was looking for.
CHAPTERTHREE
Sophie
The grin on my face is starting to make my cheeks ache, but I can’t stop smiling. This isn’t my usual politenursesmile—this one’s real. I’m downright giddy. And it’s all because of Tank.
Just thinking about our charged conversation yesterday makes my pulse quicken. Sure, I’ve met attractive men before. But none have affected me like Tank. He radiates an earthy magnetism I find irresistible.
It’s not just appearances, either. He’s real—no pretensions or artifice. And the way he looked at me...like he could see right into my soul. It’s been far too long since I’ve felt this kind of attraction.
As I walk down the clinic hallway, I feel light as air. I’m already looking forward to our next encounter, though I know I need to remain professional with my patients. Still, a girl can dream, right? Just picturing those strong arms wrapped around me makes me weak in the knees.
I let out a contented sigh as I enter the next patient’s room. This unexpected twist has made my ordinary day extraordinary. And I have a feeling my smile won’t be fading anytime soon. Tank has breathed new life into me, awakening a thirst I’d nearly forgotten. I only hope this is just the beginning...
“Hello, Mr. Manning. How are we feeling today?”
The eighty-year-old smiles wide and waves me into the exam room. “Better now that I’ve seen your pretty face, Ms. Sophie. What’s got you so upbeat today?”
My brows dip, and I shrug. “I’m always happy, especially when a tough guy like you gets serious about treating his hypertension.” I flash him a wide smile that he returns easily.
“As much as my ego wants to believe that, you have the glow of a woman in love. Who’s the fella?”
My cheeks flame at his words, and my thoughts go to Tank.
“No fella,” I lie with an easy laugh. “I’m just having a good day.” That’s also the truth, but I can’t deny that my flirtation with Tank has me feeling more than a little energized. Invigorated. Maybe even inspired.
“Keep up the good work on your diet, and call if the new meds give you any trouble.”
Mr. Manning laughs, shaking his head. “That’s one lucky fella. Just make sure he treats you right.”
I say nothing. Just offer another smile before leaving the exam room and heading to the supply closet. The rooms are empty, and the lobby is filling up again, which means those rooms need to be restocked. I grab what I need and turn, coming face to face with a smart-ass-looking colleague.
“Hannah. What’s up?”
Hannah’s heavily lined eyes narrow, and she leans in, cocking her brow. “Mr. M is right. Youaresuper happy today. I want to know what’s going on,” she smiles. “And don’t even think of leaving out any details. I wantallthe tea!”
I roll my eyes playfully and give Hannah the same answer as Mr. Manning. “I’m always happy.”
“Yeah, that’s true,” she says, waving a dismissive hand. “But today, you’re so happy that rainbows are shooting from your vajayjay, and I want to know why. And who.”
I sigh. Normally, I wouldn’t mind spilling the tea with Hannah, mostly because the tea is usually lukewarm. But whatever is going on with Tank and me is white-hot, borderline combustible, and I want to keep it to myself a little while longer.
It’s only a few kisses at this point, but those kisses are the stuff of fantasies. Right now, they’re just for me.
“There is nowhoorwhy, Hannah. I’m just having a really good day.” And in less than an hour, it’ll be better, at least if Tank is on Banger duty tonight.
I leave the supply closet with an armful of fresh Ace bandages and other supplies and busy myself restocking the exam rooms to help push through the last hour of patients, my thoughts full of Tank. It’s been a long time since anyone has made me feel how I feel when I’m with him. It’s like I’m young and carefree. He makes me feel like the world is full of possibilities and that I’m not coming up to the age of settling for what I can get in a man.
Maybe it’s because this flirtation is new, but everyone is right. I’m flying high today, and it doesn’t lessen as the lobby thins out until there are no more patients left in the building, except for Banger. He’s improving physically. Most of his wounds are completely healed except the one to his midsection. He just hasn’t woken up from his coma.
Yet.
He will, I’m sure of that. Nova doesn’t seem worried, so I don’t let myself worry either. I check on Banger, walking past Olly, who’s been keeping watch during the day shift today, just in case.
“Hey, Olly,” I say. “How are you?”
