Holiday Second Chance Romance (Clarice and Trevor) novel Chapter 65

65 Angry Isn’t the Word

Simone POV

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It’s crazy how much my mind wandered to Trevor during my shift. Thankfully, the night was mostly

uneventful. Two minor accidents and one domestic abuse. I fought every instinct I had not to use my power to heal the woman and find the a**hole who hurt her. A broken wrist and a black eye were among the significant injuries. My heart broke hearing her tell the cop she fell. Denying that anyone deliberately hurt her. We both knew it was a lie, but his hands were tied. She won’t be the last person I see protecting an abuser. All I can do is hope the next time she comes into the ER her injuries aren’t worse.

I’m in the break room now gathering my things so I can head home and sleep. I’m exhausted, but I wonder how easily sleep will come when the desire to drive to the Inn is so strong. Anya was right about the need to claim Trevor would be all consuming. I shake the thought away, pushing my empty lunch box into my large tote bag. Turning, I take two steps before the door to the break room opens. I fight the urge to groan. Stephanie, the b**ch I usually refer to as Barbie in my head, is followed inside the room by Dr. Witlock. “I told you she was in here, Dr. Witlock. Her shift ended twenty minutes ago but she is still here,” she says, like I’m doing something wrong.

He eyes her and I wonder exactly what their relationship is. Witlock is my supervisor, and he has always been professional with me, but the way he keeps checking out Stephanie’s boobs in her tight scrub top makes me wonder. “Thank you, Stephanie. I need to speak with Dr. Moore in private,” he says. “Of course,” she says before leaving the room. “What can I help you with Dr. Witlock?” “Simone, I want you to know before I address the concern that was brought to me that I believe you are an excellent doctor. The hospital is lucky to have you,” he says.

I keep my face impassive, wondering what the hell he could possibly need to address with me. I’ve never had a patient complaint and I get along well with the other staff. I mean I’m not overly friendly, but I’m not a b**ch. “I appreciate that, Dr. Witlock.” “Good, that’s good. Now I’ve been told that you threatened one of the nursing staff. I’m sure you understand how important the nurses are,” he starts to say, but I cut him off before I can stop myself.

I know exactly what the hell this is about and why Stephanie was more than happy to show him where I was. “If you are referring to me making sure that Stephanie knew exactly how I felt about her calling one of our patient’s wives a fat wh*re and then me making it clear I would report her to her supervisor for unprofessionalism, then continue.” The color seems to drain from his face as he realizes that the woman he is clearly either is sleeping with or wants to sleep with lied to

him.

The fact that he has a wedding ring apparently doesn’t matter. My thoughts automatically go to Trevor and a rock forms in the pit of my stomach. “Even so, if you have a problem with a member of the nursing staff, your responsibility is to report to me, Simone. I will make sure that

65 Angry Isn’t the Word

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Stephanie’s crass words are addressed, but unless she is being unprofessional in front of patients or their families, it is not your place to reprimand her,” he says.

My blood is boiling I’m so angry. For the first time in many years, I feel my magic vibrating just under my skin. “Perhaps I should ask the ethics board or human resources if they agree. As far as I’m concerned, a peer made me uncomfortable. I drew a clear boundary, but if you feel I was

threatening another ER team member, then perhaps we should escalate this matter.” I can see not only irritation but fear clearly in his eyes.

“That won’t be necessary, Dr. Moore. This is just a reminder of the proper chain should a nurse

need to be spoken to,” he says. “As long as she doesn’t speak in a manner which makes me

uncomfortable, we shouldn’t have any further issues, but if she uses the word wh*re or any other derogatory s*xual term I will be compelled to report the incident to HR. I also hope that this conversation will not result in any retaliation if you and Stephanie have more than a professional

relationship.”

“I don’t like what you are insinuating. I am a married man, and I am always professional,” he says curtly. “I’m not insinuating anything, Dr. Witlock. I’m simply saying that I’ve heard rumors that may or may not be true. I don’t want you coming after me simply because Stephanie feels she has you backing her when I have in no way threatened a hospital staff member. I’m sure you understand what I mean. You are, after all, the chief doctor in the ER.”

“I do understand,” he grits out. “Now, if you don’t mind, it’s been a long night. I’m going to head home and get some sleep. I trust we won’t be having any more of these conversations when I draw boundaries with other staff.” “No, we won’t,” he says. I throw my bag over my shoulder and grab the cam boot I promised Trevor. I walk out, not sparing the pr*ck another glance. If he thinks he can come at me to score points with his little girlfriend, he is sadly mistaken.

I stalk down the hallway toward the entrance. I notice the wh*re in question smirking in my direction. I fight the urge to turn and head back to the nurses‘ station. Just as I reach the double doors, I smile when I hear Witlock practically growl her name. I step into the crisp Colorado air and stop dead. The man who has invaded my thoughts all night is leaning against a large red pick–up truck. A torrent of emotions rolls through me but the one that is the strongest is longing.

I make my way toward the truck just as Nick hops out of the driver’s side. “I didn’t expect to see the two of you this morning. Is everything alright, Trevor?” “I know you are probably ready to drop, but I just needed to see you before you head home. I didn’t get a wink of sleep thinking about you last night,” Trevor says. My heart feels like it’s about to beat out of my chest as my eyes shift to Nick, who has a huge grin on his face. I look back at Trevor. “You know,” I say, and he nods. Both

fear and excitement fill me.

I’m not sure how long I stand there staring at him before I finally snap out of the shock. I hadn’t realized they planned to tell him. What exactly did they tell him? I’ll never be able to sleep knowing he knows something but not knowing exactly what it is he knows. Did they just tell him about

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supernaturals or did they tell him what we are to each other? Breathe Simone, I say to myself. “Simone, are you alright,” he asks. Just his voice calming my racing heart.

“Do you want to come to my apartment and talk,” I blurt out. “Don’t you need to sleep? You just worked all night. We can talk after you wake up. I’m not going anywhere,” he says, concern clear in his voice. “If we don’t talk, I won’t be able to sleep. Can you wait here, and I’ll grab my car?” He nods, and I turn heading toward the employee parking lot. For as tired as I was, I’m wide awake now as I practically jog to reach my car. Once I’m inside, I take a deep breath. This won’t be just a simple conversation. What if he couldn’t sleep because he doesn’t feel the bond and doesn’t want

me?

Stop it Simone. Anya’s words replay in my mind. If I don’t try I will regret it. Five minutes later, I pull

up next to the truck. Nick helps him get into my car and winks at me. He waves and I pull out of the

hospital parking lot. Not before I see Barbie making her way toward Nick in the rearview mirror. I

smile knowing he will put her in her place without a second thought.

The ride to my apartment is in awkward silence. I can tell we both have a hundred thoughts swirling around in our heads. I pull into my designated space and tell him to wait for me to help him. I quickly make my way around and help him out of the car. I nearly moan when his mouth is so close I can feel his breath on my ear. Once he is steady on his crutches, we head into the building. Five minutes later, I’m unlocking my apartment and stepping inside. Something immediately feels off about the space. Nothing looks different, but my whole body is on edge.

I immediately move further into the apartment after telling Trevor to stay put. I move down the hallway toward my room, checking the bathroom and closet as I pass them. I’m just about to push open the bedroom door when I hear clunky footsteps behind me. I fight the urge to laugh when Trevor steps into the hallway with the boot on and a crutch in his hand like a bat. “Trevor, go back to the living room.” He doesn’t slow his step as he comes to stand by my side.

“Absolutely not. I’m not letting you face an intruder alone,” he whispers, and I roll my eyes. “I don’t even know if there is an intruder.” I turn back gripping the handle before I push the door open. I take in the room and nothing seems out of place. That is until I notice a familiar envelope with an unmistakable emblem sitting on my nightstand. I make my way over, my heart slamming against my chest. I hesitate like the envelope might burn me before I finally pick it up.

I run my finger over the seal. I open it and pull out a handwritten letter. Before I even start to read it, I know it’s Jared’s handwriting. How did he find me Why leave me a letter? When will he be back, and will he expect me to return with him? I won’t go back. I can’t besides I have a destined to think about. Even if he doesn’t want me, I know for certain I want him. I know he cheated, but I meant what I said in the hospital. I believe that he isn’t his mistake.

I’m honestly shocked Jared wasn’t sitting in my living room waiting and ready to drag me home. I plop down on the bed and Trevor sits next to me. He’s close enough his thigh is pressed against mine. Feeling his closeness gives me the courage to focus on the words. I sob when I see the

66 Angry isn’t the Word

heading. He addressed the letter to Mona. He is the only one that called me that. There are only four words and his signature on the paper. “It’s time to talk

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