"Yes. She's a brilliant woman, but she's a little rough around the edges." He glanced over at me as I moved up beside him.
"I'm pretty good with females. We'll be fine." I snorted, playing the cocky card. Most guys got it.
He stopped and turned to face me. "She's my ex-wife. There will be no being good with her. She's the best neurosurgeon in the country and puts Aiden to shame. Keep that in mind, Jacob."
"Parks." I lifted an eyebrow. Dick move on my part. Shit.
"Right." He turned and walked toward a long hall of offices. "You'll need to read the ethics manual and sign off on the rules we have set here. Where we try hard not to busy ourselves in the personal meanderings of our doctors and staff, we still have rules."
"My reputation precedes me?" I took a tentative sip of my coffee, not caring too much for the Christopher Reeves beefcake next to me. If he was Ansley's ex-husband, then there was a reason for that. He'd fucked up somehow. I almost itched to know how.
Almost.
"It does." He held open the door to a large, expansive office. "We have a new wave of residents starting soon. You will be helping Ansley with them as well." He motioned to the chair in front of his desk. "Have a seat?"
"I'd rather stand." I took another drink of my coffee and walked around the room, checking out the various awards and honors he'd received. Seems the good doctor was a force to be reckoned with himself. I couldn't help but wonder what his story was.
"Suit yourself." He dropped down behind his desk and started to speak, but was cut off by someone walking into his office - pissed.
"Unbelievable. Some dickwad parked in my spot, and it's a goddamn motorcycle. What respectable adult drives a fucking motorcycle?" The most beautiful woman I'd seen to date walked in; her face pulled into a mask of anger, her fists balled tightly.
Long black hair raced down her back, the thick strands looking like woven silk. My eyes raced down her narrow back to the steep curve her luscious ass provided in her scrubs. They stretched around her rear, tight and beautifully made just for her. I almost swallowed my tongue as I tried to hide the smirk lifting up my lips.
I wanted to see her face, her eyes, to hear her speak again.
Nolan glanced up as if not interested in what she had to say. "We'll figure out who it is and have them move it, Ansley. It's nothing to get in a tizzy over."
"Tizzy?" Her voice deepened, and the room grew cold. She hadn't seen me standing in the corner just yet, and I was grateful for the moment to pull myself together.
Of course, Aiden's fucking sister had a body like a sex goddess and a mouth like a sailor. Something about strong women cursing left my cock hardening. The ass on this woman was enough to have me back in the shower that afternoon, pretending that she might actually let me touch it.
Shit. I was in all sorts of trouble.
No. I was good. I could do this. She probably didn't have a pretty face or big tits. Or real tits. She'd jack up my fantasies somehow. They all did.
Nolan stood and cleared his throat. "Doctor Crawford, I'd like you to meet Doctor Jacob Parker." He motioned over toward me, and she turned, her hair flying around her.
"It's Parks." I gave Nolan a look and extended my hand before putting my full attention on her. My heart almost stopped in my chest.
Green eyes the color of mystical ocean water probed me and left me wanting to make shit up as to why I was worth her approval. Her eyebrow lifted sharply, but there wasn't a hint of a smile or smirk on her perfectly full pink lips. That bottom one wanted some attention, maybe a little sucking and a nibble here and there.
I took a shallow breath and tried to play it cool as lust rushed through my body, tugging at my deepest desires. Her high cheekbones left her looking almost regal and in control, but her button nose softened her appearance.
"Doctor Feelgood, right?" The smirk arrived on the scene as she slipped her hand into mine and squeezed - hard. "The only reason you're here is because my brother seems to think there's something to redeem within you. Make sure you remember that, Jacob."
"Parks." I squeezed her hand back and locked my jaw. "I'm not answering to anything but Parks. Get it right now." I glanced over at Nolan. "You too. Put it on my file, my badge, on my locker. Parks. Period."
"Got it." Nolan nodded. "Alright. Ansley, grab this packet for Parks and show him around the hospital. You're not scheduled for another surgery until later today."
She released my hand and turned back to Nolan, leaving me with nothing. I hadn't a fucking clue what she thought of me, other than the fact that she believed me to be a pain in the ass Playboy, which I sort of was.
"No." She turned and walked to the door, pausing for a moment as she glanced back. The tension between her and Nolan was thick. Did they still want each other? I couldn't help but think how hot they must be together in bed. Both of them built for attracting a strong mate. I shook my head, trying to pull it from the gutter.
"Yes, or figure out whose bike is in the parking lot on your own." He sat back down and busied himself with something on his computer.
I walked over, picked up the packet and smiled at her. "You look like Aiden with longer hair. Mom or Dad give you those regal, I'll fuck you up, looks?"
Nolan snorted, and Ansley reached out and snatched the file from me.
"Find out whose bike it is and tell me. I want to put my foot in his nuts." She turned and walked toward the hall. "Let's go, Rookie."
"Rookie?" I followed after her, trying hard not to let the immature side of me take over. It was already starting, and it was a slippery fucking slope. "And what if the bike belongs to a girl?"
"Then I'll head butt her. Let's go." She cupped the file to her ample chest and glanced over at me. "This is going to be a long six months."
"Usually is when you have something you want right in front of you that's just out of your grasp." I winked at her and turned to nod at a few nurses who smiled and took turns checking me out.
"Are we talking about freedom or peace?" She turned down a hallway sharply, leaving me standing there by myself.
"Me. We were talking about me."
She flipped me off and kept walking.
Fuck me. I was going to fall in love with Aiden's sister.
6
Ansley
What a cocky little shit. My thoughts of riding a young stallion for the next month were all but gone, not that I'd really considered it. I needed to let things die down between me and Nolan before I got into anyone's bed or their life.
"I was teasing." Parks jogged up beside me in the hall. "Let's try this again? Please? Your brother thinks you climb up into the sky at night and hang the stars. I don't want to upset a woman that important to Aiden. He's like a brother to me."
I snorted and glanced sideways, trying hard not to let the delicious hint of his cologne penetrate me. Going on looks alone? He was a god. Thick muscles and spiky dark hair. The tattoo sleeve he had was a bit jolting but in a good way.
"Then treat me like an older sister. One you respect, and we'll be just fine." I handed the files back to him. "You can fill these out in your new office. It's small because you're only here for a while, but it'll do."
He took the file but growled softly. "I'm going to have to get used to a bossy woman telling me what to do."
I laughed. "Aiden tells you what to do."
"He's a man."
I stopped and turned to face him as every muscle in my body locked into place. I'd worked damn hard to get where I was, and being a woman made that even harder at times.
"Excuse me? Not only are you an operating room slut, but now you're a sexist pig too?" I narrowed my eyes and put my hands on my hips. "Anything else you want to get out in the open, Mister Parker?"
His jaw locked, and I knew I had him. The asshole wasn't offended by any of my slanders, but God forbid I not address him by 'Doctor,' and that does him in.
Sadly it meant one thing... my accusations were true.
"It's Doctor Parks, Ans, and y
ou don't know me from anyone else in this hospital, lady. You don't get to judge me. Period." He handed me the file back and walked down the hallway. "Fill that fucker out yourself. If they need something, they can contact St. Mark's. I'm not interested in paperwork bullshit or your bullshit either."
I stood there opened mouth for a second before following after him. "It’s Doctor Crawford, Jacob, and where the hell do you think you're going? You don't know the hospital or where your office is. Are you just going to storm around the hallways looking hot and bothered?"
He stopped and turned to face me. My body reacted violently to his dominance. My nipples budded and ached as a deep ticking sensation rolled down my stomach and caused me to grow wet. There was no way in hell I would fall for him. He was an idiot and a slut. Empty and shallow. Nothing to him.
"Do I look hot and bothered?" He crossed his arms over his chest and pulled his shoulders back.
"Wow," a nurse whispered as she walked around us, her eyes on Parks. "I'd say you look hot."
"Linda," I barked.
"Sorry, Doctor Reigns. I mean, Crawford." She gave an apologetic look and scurried down the hallway. What had gotten into everyone? Some good looking asshat shows up with a few skills and a tight pair of scrubs, and everyone starts acting mad?
"Why are you working at the hospital with your ex-husband?" He asked, his stance softening a little.
"None of your goddamn business." I walked past him and pressed the folder against his chest. "You work for me for the next month, Doctor Parks. Fuck it up, and my brother will hear every small detail. I'll unravel whatever you've built up with Aiden before you can sing the chorus to Doctor Feelgood. Got it?"
I walked down the hall, panting softly. I was lost in between two warring emotions. Frustration and lust. Fuck me if Jacob Parker wasn't one of the hottest men I'd ever seen. I couldn't even begin to imagine the power in his hands, the fury in his kiss.
The sound of him singing the song had my lip lifting up in a smirk. I turned the corner and glanced back to find him dancing and singing louder. He grabbed a petite nurse and pulled her close, dancing with her in the hallway.
"Brother..." I rolled my eyes and walked to my office, closing the door behind me.
I grabbed the phone and sat down, putting it to my ear as it rang several times. My brother picked up about the time I was ready to hang up the phone.
"Wow. I just lost a bet." He chuckled.
"A bet with who and over what?" I barked into the phone as I leaned back in my chair and pressed my hand to my face.
"A bet with Elizabeth. I knew you wouldn't last long with Parks, but I figured you were more of a warrior than this. It's been a few hours."
"It's been thirty minutes, and he's a complete idiot."
"Not true, Ans. He's brilliant, and if we're being honest at all, he's a lot like you."
"What?" I stood up and started to pace the floor in front of my desk. "He's nothing like me. I'm calm and collected. I'm a private person, and I've been with one man."
"He's bold, intelligent, and he's going to make it very far in life. You're two peas in a pod." He paused as I growled loudly in frustration. "Now, send me fifty dollars so I can pay Lizzy. She figured you would call today."
"He's already made fun of me, hit on me, and now he's dancing and singing in the fucking hallway. Dancing and singing Aiden. Really?" I let out a sound of disgust, though I was calming down fast. Why had I let him get under my skin so fast? Was it really his fault, or was I upset about the fight with Nolan the weekend before?
"Ansley. Fight fire with fire. You can learn a lot from him in the OR, and he can learn a lot from you. He's my mentee, and I wouldn't trade him in for all the money in the world. He's a strong surgeon and not the piece of shit you think he is. You're not giving him a chance."
I bit my tongue. I didn't want to give anyone a chance. I wanted to do my job and leave every day. To run as far as I could away from the could-ofs, should-ofs, would-ofs. I took a deep breath and let it out. "Fine. Maybe you're right."
"I usually am." He laughed.
I glanced up to see Parks standing on the other side of my glass door, the packet in his hand and a frown on his face.
"Can we try this again?" He smiled.
Putting my back to him, I closed my eyes and let my head drop. "I hate him already."
"No, you don't. You like him, and that scares you. I told him to stay away from you. Just remember who he is and that just like you, my sweet sister, he's got his defense mechanisms in place for a reason. Don't judge a book by its cover, Ansley. Lest the same measurement be used for you."
It was what my father always told all of us. Aiden's words mixed with the soft hum of his voice softened my stance. My shoulders rolled in, and the weight of whatever was on top of me started to slide off.
"Alright. I'm not happy about it."
"That's okay. Don't be, but use this opportunity to learn. Call me when you need me. I'm always here for you."
"Okay." I dropped the call and lifted my chin as the door opened behind me.
"Dr. Crawford? You alright?" Parks' voice was soft like Aiden's had been. The sound of it rolled over me, coaxing the woman in me to purr, to soften, to invite him in.
I glanced over my shoulder and nodded. "Yeah. Bring your bad self in here and fill out your paper work. We have enough hotheads on staff as it is. Don't add yourself to the list."
He chuckled and sat down in front of my desk, dropping his backpack beside him. "I'll work on that. Aiden has St. Mark's in non-hothead status. I have to be dramatic to keep everyone on their toes."
"It's not necessary here." I sat down and watched the way his forearm flexed as he leaned over and filled out the paperwork laid out before him. The smooth skin below his eyes looked so soft that I found myself wanting to reach out and touch him. It was a foreign feeling. He had a five o'clock shadow, which left him looking a bit dangerous and yet delicious.
"Like what you see?" He glanced up but didn't move.
"You're handsome for sure." I shrugged and leaned back, crossing my arm over my chest and propping my elbow up on it. "I have a rule about dating younger men, so I've trained myself not to even be affected by them."
"Scared you might learn a thing or two?" He glanced back down, looking like an angel, but the cockiness in his voice gave him away. If it hadn't, the gauge ear loop in his left ear or the upper ear piercing would have.
"I love learning." I let my voice turn a little sensual, soft, airy. "It's what keeps me going. Stimulates me. The idea of learning something new or uncovering something unexpected, hidden even."
He sat up and let the pen hover over the top of his paper. "Are you flirting with me, Ansley?"
"Not in the slightest. You're here to work for me for the next month." I stood up and rolled my shoulders, trying to play off the sexual tension between us. I wasn't one to sleep around, and I wasn't changing that anytime soon. "I could use the help."
"Aiden sent me to teach you a new procedure and work with your residents on advance neurology. I'm not an extra set of hands. Don't mistake me for that." He turned his attention back to his paperwork.
It was going to be a clash of wills every second of the way from what I could tell. I wasn't entirely sure how I felt about that.
"I'm going to grab some soup. I'll catch up with you later." I walked around the desk toward the door. "Your office is the last one down hallway A. Fifteen-thirty-four. You can check it out and get out of here for the day. I'll see you tomorrow."
"I'll grab lunch with you." He stood.
"No thanks. See you tomorrow." I walked out, feeling quite proud of myself until I made it to the cafeteria. Why did I feel the need to put him in his place? Oh, right. Because the fucker kept putting me in mine. I pulled the top off my soup and blew it softly as I walked back to my office.
I could apologize and make amends. I wasn't a bitch, but the mess with Nolan was turning me into one. It wasn't Parks’ fault that my life had fallen a
part and refused to come back together.
It was Nolan's for being a deceiver.
It was mine for being a dreamer.
I closed my office door behind me and found the room empty. Parks’ cologne lingered in the air, and damn if I didn't breathe in deeply.
I took a small sip of my soup and put it down as something caught my eye just outside my window. I walked over and moved the blinds to see Parks standing by the motorcycle in my spot. He climbed on, pulled his helmet on, waved at me and drove off.
"Un-fucking-believable."
Of course, it had been his bike. Why wouldn't it have been?
Bastard.
7
Parks
I got dressed the next morning with a smile on my face. An energy I hadn't felt in the likes of forever pumped through me. Aiden's sister was spot on for the kind of woman I'd have turned in my bachelor card for, and yet... she was forbidden. I'd promised Aiden that I wouldn't touch her, and on top of that, pissing off Nolan Reigns didn't seem like the wisest move I could make while visiting his prestigious hospital.
And yet, the thing you can't have soon becomes an obsession you can't shake.
"I'm good. I got this." I pulled on my shirt as I watched myself in the mirror. Turning, I danced a little to the music in my head. I could play hardball with Ansley and have a good time doing it. I'd just fuck a few young, slutty nurses and keep my eyes closed. My balls tightened at the thought of letting Doctor Crawford take her place center stage to my fantasies.
Did she still have feelings for Nolan? Yes. Any idiot could tell that. I couldn't help but want to know what the deal was. Why did they split up if the emotions between them still ran so high and hot?
Captain Hotness: A Single Father Bad Boy Novel Page 19
