Page 15 of Hotwife
“Here’s what’s going to happen. I need a photography assistant. Someone to help lug my gear in harder to reach areas, help me scout, and set up for nature shots. You desperately need some perspective outside of your desperate doctor’s wives AA meetings. It’s a win-win.”
My eyes shot up at his blatant pride and audacity. Who did this guy think he was? “Excuse me?”
“Ah cut the shit, you’re not offended. You’re bored as hell, Queen. I can help with that. Get you outside of the pretentious mansions and into the forest, nature, into the wild. Now, don’t tell me that doesn’t sound good.”
My heart fluttered at his using my maiden name as a nickname. A name I always kind of liked. Maybe he was right, maybe it did suit me. Maybe I did need to get out. “I’m not really an outdoorsy girl,” I pushed back weakly. He was right, I was already halfway on board with this plan.
“You don’t say? I thought you were a seasoned survivalist. Well, that changes everything…”
I threw a straw at his chest, and he grabbed it, chuckling. “Come on, help me out. I don’t know many people in Seattle and I need someone who at least enjoys the natural world in some form. I’ve been around the aquarium for a couple of weeks. I’ve met dozens of staff. But you’re the only one I’ve seen talking to the animals. Manta-Ray is your favorite, right?”
“His name’s Pino,” I offered, grinning. “And you’re a stalker.”
“Being observant is my job.” The smile that answered mine set a flame ablaze in my chest. “Pino,” he repeated. “You don’t just like nature, you feel it. You call it by name. I could use that in my work. A new set of eyes. So what do you say, you in?” He reached his wide and rough hand across the booth and I stared at it skeptically.
“If I agree to help you, we can’t tell Eva. She’ll flip if she finds out I’m working with you.”
“As much as I’d love to see that chirpy-bird of a woman combust, I agree. Let’s avoid the drama of it. So, you in?”
Nodding, I took his hand, electricity shooting up my palm at the contact. A smirk played on his lips as he leaned back in his seat, eyeing me with some sort of emotion I couldn’t name but sent sparks misfiring in my ribcage.
I might have just made a deal with the devil.
And I might have liked it, too.
—
Desmond dropped me back at my car. The ride back we talked like old friends, though we’d only really just met. Our dark sense of humor played well with the other and the banter was unmatched. Pulling off his helmet, he eyed my Porsche. “That thing come with Barbie or is she sold separately?”
“Ha. Ha. It was my birthday gift and I happen to love it, thank you very much.” I rolled my eyes, tugging off my helmet and handing it back to him.
“I’ll be seeing you soon, Queen. Try not to wander into any other predator habitats or otherwise maim or dismember yourself, okay? I got that covered for the both of us,” he smirked, gripping his motorcycle handles. Just flaunting that stupid hot indent on his forearm. He was so sexy it infuriated me.
“Obviously being a comedian didn’t work out for you, Des. Maybe you should stick to taking pictures.” His helmet muffled his laugh as he clipped it under his chin. The engine revved to life, and after a salute, he sped off into the distance.
Resting my forehead on the steering wheel, I took my first deep breath of the day. A buzz from my purse pulled my attention. Two missed calls from Odie and a few texts asking me to call her. One text from Cedric.
Cedric: Hope you’re having a good day. I picked up another ER shift tonight so I won’t be home.
My heart dropped slightly. I still felt disappointed when he didn’t come home at night, though he rarely did anymore. Home was just his quick-stop kitchen before hurrying back to the hospital. My husband was an important man. He saved lives for a living. There were people breathing and eating and laughing, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to do so, all over the world, because of his skill. So that made the ache in my gut, missing him, wanting his time, feel all the more selfish. The more time spent with me, the fewer people could potentially be alive. There were other doctors and surgeons, sure, but none as good as him.
Cedric was at the top of his game.
But he wanted to go higher. He wanted to be Chief of Surgery, which was a promotion, but also an opportunity to be behind a desk more. To call the shots, take charge of the surgery department, and, my favorite, have set hours. Normal hours. I was banking on and pining for his promotion just as much as he was. Albeit for less altruistic reasons. Cedric wanted the ability to choose his own cases, take on more complicated surgeries, perform case studies, and train other doctors. He deserved that.
I just wanted my husband home every night. I wanted a chance to rebuild our marriage.
Though I could tell he was nervous. He was working too hard, overcompensating for something that wasn’t his fault. Something that could overshadow his entire career. He was just hoping that with enough hours and expertise put into this new hospital, that would speak louder than what happened a few years ago.
We could hope.
And thus why I tried to get on Eva’s good side. Maybe if she liked me, she’d put in a good word with Dr. Gregory. My stomach sank at the thought of her finding out I was helping her stepson. But she wouldn’t find out, right? We’d keep it professional. And to be honest, it did sound nice to get outside. Maybe climbing some mountains, or something, would help pull me out of my funk. Maybe fresh air and sunshine was what I needed.
No drama. Just picture perfect nature. A side-gig.
That’s all it was. Yeah, I’m sticking with that story.
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