Chapter Seven Craving More
The sharp blare of her alarm made Emilia groan softly as she reached over, silencing it with a sleepy tap. Blinking against the morning light, she grabbed her phone, reading the glowing white numbers: 8:00 AM. A sigh left her lips. Another long shift ahead-9:30 AM to 7 PM-and with the new staff starting in her unit, she'd given herself extra hours to make sure everything ran smoothly. Just as she was about to roll out of bed, a soft ding sounded from her phone. She grabbed it from the charger, her lips instantly curling into a smile when she saw the name on her screen.
Henry: Good morning, Emmy. I hope it's okay we're at this stage where I call you that. If not... too bad, because I like it.
She chuckled, shaking her head as she read the next message.
Henry: I'm in back-to-back meetings all morning, but I have a window at 2. Thought I'd use it wisely and take a certain lovely lady to lunch. I'm craving some mean pasta, and I hear food tastes better with good company.
Her cheeks warmed as she bit her lip, the thought of meeting Henry already making her stomach flutter. Aunt Rose had given her an over-the-top description of him-"Tall, chiseled, and those hazel eyes? A Greek god, Emmy, I swear!"-but looks aside, she was already intrigued by his charm and easy humor. Excited, she quickly checked her schedule, only for her heart to drop. A last-minute client appointment had been added for 2 PM. She sighed, her fingers hovering over the keyboard before she finally typed out her response.
Emilia: I'd honestly love to have lunch with you, but I'm booked with a client at that time. I'm really bummed about it :(
She sent it, frowning. The last thing she wanted was for him to think she was blowing him off. Meanwhile, miles away, Henry sat in a sleek conference room, tension thick in the air as he exchanged sharp words with a colleague. His patience was running thin-the deal wasn't moving the way he wanted, and the incompetence around him was making it worse. Then, his phone vibrated. He exhaled, expecting another annoying email-but the moment he saw Emilia's name, his scowl melted into a smile.
Henry: Now that's just cruel, Emmy. You break a man's heart before he's even had the chance to sweep you off your feet?
Emilia giggled, shaking her head as she texted back.
Emilia: I didn't mean to break your heart... I just don't have the glue to put it back together right now.
Henry: I'll allow it-for now. But only because I'm confident you'll make it up to me.
Emilia: Oh? And how do you suggest I do that?
Henry: Dinner. Tonight. No take-backs, no client appointments, just you, me, and some sinfully good food.
Emilia hesitated for half a second before grinning.
Emilia: You're very persuasive, Mr. Greek God.
Henry: Ah, so you have been thinking about me.
Emilia: Don't push your luck.
Henry: Too late. Now, tell me-Italian, sushi, or do I need to guess your favorite?
Emilia: Let's do Italian. Since you were craving pasta, it's only fair you get your wish.
Henry: You really are making it up to me, aren't you?
Emilia: Consider it my apology for "breaking your heart."
Henry: I accept. I'll pick you up at 8. Wear something that makes you feel beautiful-but I'll warn you now, I'll think you look stunning regardless.
Emilia rolled her eyes, though her cheeks ached from smiling.
Emilia: Smooth. Very smooth.
Henry: You have no idea, darling.
She set her phone down, her heart doing an annoyingly giddy flip.
Dinner with Henry.
Tonight.
And she couldn't wait.
___________
For the rest of the morning, Emilia felt like she was floating. There was something about Henry's charm that made her feel light-giddy, even. As she pulled into her favorite bagel spot, she decided to spread some of that good energy, picking up coffee and breakfast for her entire team. Strutting into the hospital, she greeted her fellow doctors with a warm nod, completely unaware of the whispers that had been circulating before she arrived. Some of her colleagues pitied her, knowing her fiancé, Chase, had been suspiciously close to Hallie. Others sneered, whispering that she was the homewrecker who had torn apart Hollywood's favorite couple. How shameless, they muttered. Yet, there were a handful who defended her-saying Chase had always doted on Emilia, but with Hallie? It just felt different. Blissfully unaware, Emilia made her way to her department, where her best friend and fellow doctor, Yanique Woods, greeted her with a wide grin.
Yanique had a warm, medium-brown complexion that glowed under the soft café lighting, her dark brown eyes brimming with depth and emotion. Her naturally curly hair was styled into sleek, voluminous waves that framed her high cheekbones and full lips, complementing the effortless poise she carried.
"Morning, girl! Happy Wednesday! Ooh, please tell me you got my favorite," Yanique said, eyeing the bag in Emilia's hands with eager anticipation.
Emilia chuckled, setting the coffees down before handing her friend a small bag and her cup. "Of course, I did. I'd never make such a monstrous mistake."
Yanique grinned and playfully hip-bumped her. "Damn right. Otherwise, I would've tortured you with my beautiful singing all shift long."
Emilia laughed, shaking her head as she neatly laid out the bags, carefully labeling them with everyone's names. She shot off a quick text, letting the team know breakfast was waiting, then returned to work.
By the time 1:30 PM rolled around, Emilia found herself constantly checking her watch, counting down the minutes until her shift ended at 7 PM. But she also knew something else—Henry was about to go on break.
A mischievous idea sparked in her mind as she quickly typed out a text.
Emilia: Sooo... I know I should be working, but I have some very important questions for you.
Miles away, Henry sat in his office, rubbing the bridge of his nose. His morning had been hell-arguing with a rival company over a deal that should have been a no-brainer. His mood had soured completely. But when his phone buzzed and he saw her name? His scowl softened immediately, the corners of his lips tilting into a smile.
Henry: Why, doctor, shouldn't you be busy bringing tiny humans into the world instead of thinking about this lonely businessman?
Emilia giggled, shaking her head as she texted back.
Emilia: Multitasking, Mr. Greek God. Now, answer my questions: What's your favorite food? And what's your location?
Henry raised a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes. She wanted to know his location. Intriguing.
Henry: You planning a heist, Emmy? If so, I'll need to know if I'm the getaway driver or the stolen treasure.
Emilia: Just answer the question, troublemaker.
Henry: Alright, alright. Favorite food? As much as I'd love to say something fancy to impress you... I have to be honest.
Henry: It's Chili's ribs. The Smokehouse Special. I know, I know, judge me all you want, but they're my weakness.
Emilia's lips curled into a grin. Chili's ribs? This man had expensive taste in suits but craved casual chain restaurant barbecue?
Henry: As for my location...
A second later, a pinned location dropped into their chat.
Emilia bit her lip, pretending to study it thoughtfully before typing back.
Emilia: Interesting. Thank you, I was just curious. By the way, my shift ends at 7.
She sent the message, acting nonchalant, but her fingers were already pulling up Uber Eats.
____________________________________________
Twenty minutes later, a delivery driver walked into Henry's office, placing a Chili's bag on his desk.
Henry blinked. "Uh... I didn't order anything."
The driver smirked. "It's from someone named Emilia."
At that, Henry's entire expression softened. He opened the bag, the rich, smoky scent of his favorite ribs filling the air. Nestled on top was a handwritten note:
"Thought you could use a little pick-me-up. Enjoy your favorite meal, Mr. Greek God. - Emmy"
Henry let out a deep chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief.
She sent him ribs.
His actual favorite meal.
And damn, if that didn't make his already-interesting day ten times better.
Grabbing his phone, he quickly typed out a message.
Henry: Emmy, you have officially ruined me. How am I supposed to concentrate on work when I'm busy falling for you?
Emilia: Just enjoy your ribs, Henry. I expect a full review later.
Henry: Oh, you'll get one. But for the record? You just became my favorite person today.
Emilia smiled down at her phone, feeling that familiar warmth bloom in her chest.
Eight o'clock couldn't come fast enough.