Chapter 10 Olivia #2
Older.
Smart.
Handsome.
Salt-and-pepper.
Sex on a damn stick that I just want to nom, nom, nom.
Focus, Olivia. Focus.
“This isn’t a fireable offense, right? This is outside working hours.”
Dr. Warrick’s concern dissipates with a huff. “No, Olivia. You aren’t getting fired.” He reaches for my hand. “May I?”
I nod, hissing when he turns my arm over to examine my wrist. There’s a red mark circling my wrist. It’s thin, but it might bruise.
A shadow falls over us and when I turn to see who it is, it’s Elias, staring down at my arm with fury.
“He left a mark? Are you fucking kidding me? Are you okay, Olivia?” He takes my hand gently from Winston, his thumb brushing over the red, abused skin.
I hold my breath with every swipe of his touch against me. Warmth floods my veins, swimming its way to my mind, numbing my ability to think clearly. His fingers are long and thick, firm yet they hold a surprisingly gentle caress I wasn’t expecting.
Sparks ignite between his fingers and my arm. A static that tingles throughout my body.
“Considering I’m the general surgeon, I’d say her wrist is fine.
It might be sore. Maybe ice it,” Winston adds.
“I didn’t realize he had such a strong grip on you.
I saw you earlier and thought everything was going well.
I wish I would have known and this wouldn’t have happened.
” He frowns, staring at the simple red bruise forming.
I place my hand on his shoulder. “Winston, you couldn’t have known. It’s okay. I’m not dying. I’m not in pain. He was an asshole. I’m over it. That’s what I get for dating. I think next time, I’ll need to bring pepper spray or something.”
Winston snaps his fingers. “Yes. That’s a great idea.
I’ll fill your desk with some tomorrow. Since I can’t be on every date to protect you, the spray will have to do.
” His phone rings and he checks the screen to see who’s calling.
“I have to take this. Let’s grab a booth and salvage the rest of the evening.
Let’s not let that asshole ruin a good night.
Excuse me.” He places the phone against his ear, grinning.
“Hey, Love Dove. Let me find a quieter area.”
They are so sickeningly in love. It’s…well…sickening. In a really sweet way that I’m completely jealous of.
“You sure you’re okay?” Elias asks, his thumb still rubbing back and forth over the bruised flesh. “I can take you home if you want. I’d understand if you want to call it a night.”
“You’d take me home? Why? I can get a cab.”
He flinches as if I hit him. “I’m going to make sure you get home safe.” He continues to touch me, adding small delicate circles to the pattern he’s making on my wrist.
His eyes lift to meet mine, the robin’s-egg blue color entrancing me into his gaze. I almost feel hypnotized, unaware that I’m stepping closer to him.
“That’s kind of you,” I say, a bit breathless. “I’m going to take Winston’s offer. I’m not ready for the night to end. Plus, it takes too long to get ready. I might as well make use of the outfit.”
“You should. You look gorgeous, Olivia.” His eyes fall from my eyes to my lips, then back up again.
Heat flushes my cheeks. I tuck my hair behind my ear, breaking eye contact so I can take a breather from his handsome face.
No one should look that good. His eyes could glow in the dark, they are so bright.
His jaw is square, sculpted, with an edge that’s sharp even under the light stubble he has grown.
His hair is combed back with thick waves that can’t be tamed due to the natural curl. There’re darker gray-and-white streaks and damn, he really pulls it off.
“Thank you,” I whisper quietly.
“I’m going to have the chef make you a new meal,” the waiter says, interrupting the moment between Elias and me. It’s a welcome relief. I need to remember how to breathe and I can’t with him touching me.
Gently, I pull my hand away from his, and he frowns as if he’s disappointed.
I can’t stop staring at the tattoos that I’m finally able to see.
There’s so much he hides under his work attire.
I would have never thought he looked like that.
His fitted shirt is stretched across his broad chest, his biceps stretching the sleeves.
The tattoos disappear underneath and my mind whirls with familiarity.
Have I seen these tattoos before? There are plenty of men who have tattoo sleeves, so maybe I don’t know these particular tattoos. They’re black and gray designs, swirling up with intricate realism and abstract artwork that somehow blends very well together.
“I can also show you to another booth. Everything will be on the house tonight,” the waiter explains.
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” I rush to say, to turn down the kind offer.
“The decision is above my pay grade.” He winks. “But I agree with management. Come on, I’ll show you to your booth. It’s in the corner and away from people.”
He shows us to the secluded booth, a candle lit in the middle, and he places the menus down on the table.
“I’ll give you a few and be back,” he states to me for the third time tonight.
Winston rushes through the crowd and stands by the booth. “Guys, I’m sorry. I have to go. Dove isn’t feeling well. I think Winston Jr. gave her the flu. She really needs me home.”
“Aw no! I’m so sorry. If you guys need anything, let me know, and I’ll make sure you have it.” I stand and give him a hug goodbye.
I wonder if that means the night is over.
Elias and Winston shake hands for their goodbye.
“Thanks, Olivia. I’ll let you know. You two should still hang out. Night is young. I’ll see you tomorrow!” Winston taps the table with his knuckles, another farewell sign, then hurries out of the restaurant.
I’m left alone with Elias Carrington.
And I have no idea what to do.