Sophie saw red. “How dare you!” She stood up and looked down on Crystal’s tight bun. “I do not need mental health counseling. I need someone that will listen to reason!”
Crystal drew her hands to her chest in an exaggerated gesture. “Now, now, Dr. Benedict. You don’t want me to have to call security to escort you out of the building, do you? I’m not sure if I feel safe when you raise your voice like that. I’d hate to have to add a report of aggression and irrational anger to your file.”
Sophie jammed the brochure in her pocket, wrinkling it in the process. “You evil witch!”
Just then, the door flew open and large frame filled the doorway.
“Can I see that termination paperwork?” said a deep voice. “I do believe that as Dean I am allowed to make final decisions in my own hospital.”
Sophie's heart leapt in her chest. Cole!
Chapter Seven
“What?” Crystal said, flustered. She took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. Crystal shuffled through the pile of paperwork on her desk. She gave Samantha a stack of files for the Dean’s signature Thursday afternoon, and Ms. Briar had returned it that morning. Crystal assumed all the documents were signed and everything was in order for Dr. Benedict’s termination. If she discovered the termination letter wasn’t signed, heads were going to roll. Anyone who made her look like a fool would face her wrath!
Crystal located Dr. Benedict’s termination letter in the stack. It was unsigned.
“Please forgive the oversight Dr. Armstrong,” Crystal said, placing the letter in front of him. “Sign near the yellow arrow.” She pointed to the blank line.
“You do not have the authority to tell me what to do Ms. Bridges,” Cole replied. He picked up the letter, and crumpled it into a ball. “I do NOT authorize this termination.”
“Sir, this termination has been vetted on all levels,” Crystal replied, her ire up. Terminations and employee HR was her turf. “We have documented evidence of Dr. Benedict’s insubordination. Dr. Mapleton…”
“I don’t give a damn what Dr. Mapleton said or thinks,” Cole said, cutting her off. He didn’t have the patience to deal with Crystal’s sniveling arguments and this was the last straw. “I am the Dean, and I make the final decisions.” Cole walked over to Sophie and guided her out of her chair. “Let’s go Dr. Benedict.”
Sophie followed Cole out of Crystal’s office and past Sam, who gave them a chipper smile and wave as they passed. “Take some candy,” Sam called as they whooshed by. “I have peanut chocolate bars for you Dean Armstrong!” She knew they were his favorite, and set aside a stash for him.
“Saaammmm!” Crystal screeched from her office. “Get in here immediately.”
***
Sophie was shaking. She had run a gamut of emotions over the past thirty minutes, from trepidation, to disgust, to her current state of surprised elation. Cole had come through and saved her. She could finish out her residency, which meant in six months she could be a doctor in a private practice. Sophie would finally be able to pay off her student loans and her other debts. She felt a weight lift from her chest. Sophie could finally breathe again.
“Where are we going?” she asked. Cole was walking so fast she had trouble keeping up with him.
“To my office,” was his curt reply. Sophie could feel anger and tension radiating off of Cole. When he confronted Crystal Bridges, Cole looked like he wanted to slug her, although Sophie knew he was too much of a gentleman to do something like that.
When they entered his office suite his secretary, Ms. Briar, was sitting at her desk knitting. “Almost done with your socks Dean Armstrong,” she said. “I’m going to knit little skulls on the ankle. They’re going to be adorable.”
Sophie pressed her lips together, in an attempt to hold in her laughter. The thought of anything about Cole being “adorable” made her want to giggle. He was authoritative, strong, and masculine. There was nothing “adorable” about him.
“Ms. Briar, cancel the rest of my appointments for today,” he said gruffly, not bothering to reply to her comment about the socks.
“I’ll get right on it,” she replied, setting down her knitting and pulling up his calendar on her computer.
Sophie followed Cole into his office and shut the door. He walked over to the window and stared out at the lake, his back to her.
“Thank you Cole,” Sophie said. “I really appreciate your support. I am a good physician and did not deserve to be terminated.”
She waited for a response. When he didn’t say anything, she plowed forward awkwardly. There were still unresolved issues between the two of them. Now that the excitement of the halted dismissal was over, Sophie was beginning to feel unsure of herself. Especially when faced with Cole’s tapered muscular back and tight ass, impressively highlighted by his gray tailored slacks and slim lilac dress shirt.
“Uh, I should go now. I have a patient waiting for a gallbladder consult.”
“Dr. Mapleton cleared your patient schedule today,” Cole replied. He was trying to calm down by watching the athletes rowing crew on the lake. Crystal Bridges’ disregard for his authority coupled with Bruce’s passive aggressive war on him really got his temper up. He felt like strangling someone. Cole needed to work his tension off. “Bruce arranged for security to escort you to your locker and off the premises after Crystal terminated you. He is very thorough,” Cole said without humor.
Cole turned around and looked at Sophie. The tension she felt radiating off him earlier was still evident in the intense look in his piercing blue eyes.
“We’re both free for the rest of the day,” he said, walking towards her. Cole didn’t stop until they were almost nose to nose. She felt his warm breath on her lips. Sophie tensed, anticipating his touch. Instead of doing the expected and kissing her on the mouth, Cole dipped his head and sucked on the side of her neck. Sophie moaned softly as he trailed wet kisses up, until his mouth was near her ear. She felt his hand glide up under the hem of her top, caressing the bare skin of her stomach. Cole trailed his hand across her belly to her hip, and squeezed.
“The only thing I like about scrubs,” he whispered in her ear, “is that they’re so easy to take off.”
Sophie’s pussy clenched in response to his words. She was already wet and swollen, and he hadn’t even touched her there yet.
Cole brought his mouth to hers, and took Sophie’s lips in passionate kiss. His lips were firm. Greedy. They ate at each other hungrily, the tension and anger from the day making them rougher with each other than Cole initially intended. After the firestorm of their first encounter, he wanted to show Sophie his gentle side.
Lips connected, Cole guided Sophie backwards until her rear hit the edge of his desk. He palmed the globes and lifted her slightly, so she was sitting on the tabletop. Cole spread her legs and settled between them, groaning when his erection rubbed against her core. He began grinding against her. Sophie tore her mouth from his, gasping for breath.
Cole took the opportunity to grasp the hem of her scrub top, and pull it up and off, revealing Sophie’s black lacy bra. He admired what he uncovered for a moment. Sophie’s erect nipples were visible through the lace. Cole brought his hands up to her breasts and kneaded them, before bending over and forcefully sucking on a dusky nipple.
Sophie leaned her hands back on the desk and looked down at Cole’s mussed black hair as he sucked on her lace covered breasts. She sat up and removed her bra before resuming her previous position. Sophie wanted him to have full access to her breasts. Cole kissed her quickly on the lips before returning his attention to her now bare nipples. The feel of his wet warm mouth on her sent a shaft a pleasure straight to her core, where she was dripping wet for him. He ground his erection against her in time to his sucking. She wished they were skin to skin. Sophie moaned in frustration when he stopped the motion.
“Take off your pants,” Cole said, stepping back so he could unfasten his belt and trousers. Cole pulled down his zipper, rel
easing his erection. Sophie kicked off her clogs and lifted up off the desk so she could shimmy out of her scrub pants and black lace panties. Once she was completely nude, Cole picked her up by her waist and set her back on the table top. The feel of the cool surface against her overheated flesh made her gasp.
“No more teasing Cole,” Sophie said, reaching out to grasp his cock. She gave it a couple firm strokes. Cole’s cock was long and thick, her fingers barely fit around it. He groaned and pumped his hips. A bead of moisture appeared at the tip. Sophie felt a moment of trepidation. Sophie’s sole focus over the past couple of years had been finishing her residency, so having a relationship had taken a back burner. It had been a while for her and Cole was large. It was definitely going to be a tight fit.
Cole took ahold of his cock and started rubbing it against Sophie’s moist folds, circling her clit. She felt the head slip down to her opening, penetrating her slightly. She groaned in response.
“Wider Sophie,” Cole said, nudging her thighs apart so she was completely exposed. He looked down to where she was pink, wet, and ready for him. They both watched, rapt, as Cole adjusted himself and slowly started penetrating her. “You’re so tight,” he whispered, pausing so she could get used to his size.
“Mmmm,” Sophie said in response. She felt an ache inside of her. She needed Cole, now.
“Give it to me, Cole,” Sophie murmured huskily. “Now.”
“Do you think you can take it?” he replied, tilting her head up to look in her eyes.
“I want it Cole. I want you to give it to me rough.”
“I live to serve,” Cole replied, while shoving the rest of his erection into her forcefully. Sophie felt a slight twinge of pain before it was overshadowed by the pleasure of having him inside of her. As soon as she adjusted to his size, he withdrew to the tip, and then thrust back in. “Hold on Sophie,” Cole said, reaching one hand up to squeeze her breast while grabbing a handful of her ass with the other. “This is going to be quick and dirty.”
Cole increased the speed and force of his thrusts, bottoming out with every stroke and rubbing his pelvis against Sophie’s clit. She was moaning in pleasure, oblivious to everything but Cole. He moved both hands to her hips and gripped her forcefully while he pounded into her. Cole felt the pleasure and tension inside of him rise. “Come on baby,” he gritted out, holding his orgasm back. He wanted to feel her come around his cock. “Give it to me.”
Sophie felt herself peak. Tingles of pleasure spread from her rippling core, through her limbs, to her fingertips and toes. She felt the warm pulse of Cole spilling inside of her. He groaned and thrust inside of her a couple more times, making Sophie whimper as he came in contact with her swollen and over sensitized flesh. Sophie laid back on the desk, closed her eyes, and drifted, finally at peace after days of intense stress.
Cole pulled out of Sophie with a wet gush. He looked at her, laid out on his desk like a pagan offering, and smiled. She was a type A overachiever in clinic, always rigid and alert. It was nice to see her mussed. He ran a hand from her throat across her breast and to her lower belly before stepping back and looking around for her scrubs and underwear. Cole had managed to stay almost fully dressed.
“Time to get dressed, babe,” Cole said, placing Sophie’s clothing near her.
Sophie rolled to her side, to a seated position, and began pulling on her clothes. “Do you think anyone heard us?” she asked, once the sensual fog lifted enough for her to think clearly again.
Cole shrugged in response. “Not a chance,” he said. “These walls are thick and Kelsey is usually good at keeping the lions at bay. I’m sure we’re fine.”
Sophie felt a sense of relief. Cole’s presence was overwhelming, and when she was with him she forgot about the negative repercussions of having an affair with the Dean. If their activities were known, Sophie would have to face the disapproval of her peers and mentors, a black mark on her professional record, and whispers that could follow her throughout her career. People would always wonder, “Did she only make it through Residency because she was fucking the Dean?”
“We never talked about protection,” Cole said, breaking through her thoughts. “I can tell you I’m clean. I get tested regularly.”
“I’m clean too. Its been awhile since I’ve been with anyone, sexually. Also, we don’t have to worry about pregnancy. I track my cycle using an online application, and I know this isn’t a fertile time for me.”
“Good,” Cole replied, relieved. He didn’t know where this was going with Sophie, and throwing a pregnancy in the mix would force them to make important decisions too fast.
“All set?” he asked, once she was dressed.
“Do I look okay?”
Cole gave her the once over. Sophie’s cheeks were flushed, her hair was tousled, and her scrubs were a wrinkled mess.
“You look perfectly fuckable,” he said, pulling her into a kiss.
After it was over, she pulled back and punched him lightly on the arm. “That wasn’t what I was asking, and you know it.”
“You’ll pass inspection,” Cole replied. “The elevator to the D-1 garage, where I’m parked, is located directly outside the office suite.”
Sophie raised an eyebrow at his statement. “Are you assuming I’m going home with you?”
Cole flashed her a devastating grin. “I’ll make it worth your while. My bed is much more comfortable than that desk. I’m free tomorrow. It’s my scheduled flex day. I know your clinical schedule is clear, so we can sleep in.”
She gave him an assessing look. Of course she was going home with him, but it felt good to give him a hard time. Especially since Cole easily found his way into her panties.
“I’ll fire up the bbq and ply you with wine,” Cole said. “You can pick what side of the bed you want.”
“Sold!” Sophie said with a big smile.
Cole opened his office door for her and followed her out. Kelsey Briar was still at her desk knitting away. She wore a set of noise cancelling headphones. Ms. Briar noticed them and removed her headphones.
“Closer to being finished,” she said, holding up a sock. “What’s your favorite color, dear?” Kelsey asked Sophie. “I’ll knit you arm warmers next.”
“Ummm, purple,” Sophie replied.
“Lovely,” Ms. Briar said. “On your way out, can you flip over the sign hanging on the door?”
“Definitely Ms. Briar,” Cole replied. He unlocked the deadbolt on the office suite door and held it open for Sophie. A sign that read “back in 30 minutes” was on the exterior. Cole turned it to “open.”
“I won’t be in tomorrow Ms. Briar, but I’ll be available via email or text if you need me. I hope you have a pleasant evening.”
“Thank you Dean Armstrong, I hope you and Dr. Benedict have a lovely evening as well.”
As they walked out Sophie shot Cole an incredulous look. He shrugged in response. “I’m not the first Dean she’s supported, and I probably won’t be the last. Ms. Briar may not be the savviest assistant, but she is definitely the most discreet. That lady is a vault.”
Chapter Eight
Sophie felt the bed dip as Cole rose from bed. She snuggled deeper under the warm covers, not yet ready to wake up and face the day. Yesterday, and the past month really, Sophie had been on a roller coaster of emotions. She was drained emotionally and now, thanks to Cole’s vigorous lovemaking, physically. Sophie thought back to the previous evening with a smile.
After they arrived at Cole’s house, he insisted she relax on the deck with a glass of wine while he prepared dinner. They chatted while he worked. Their conversation flowed easily through dinner.
Cole told her about growing up and working in Chicago, why he had decided to be an Orthopaedic surgeon, and what made him decide to move to Seattle. Sophie learned Cole’s older sister, along with an adorable gaggle of nieces and nephews, still lived in Chicago. He decided to become an Orthopaedic spine surgeon after a college football injury landed him in a physical
therapy training room, where Cole became fascinated with the science and art behind orthopaedic surgery. Cole told her about his unrelenting drive to improve the University of Seattle’s patient care and his love for the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest.
In turn, Sophie told him about her mom. It still hurt to talk about her, even though she’d been gone for the past eight years. She had passed away Sophie’s freshman year in college.
When Sophie received the news she was being awarded a full academic scholarship to attend the University of Seattle, her mother said it was the second best day of her life, the first being the day Sophie was born. Growing up in Yakima had been a struggle. Sophie’s father left when she was a baby, and her mother, who was young and a high school dropout, worked two jobs to make ends meet. Sophie didn’t understand the extent of their financial problems until she was eight years old. She overheard her mother on the phone with her father begging for child support money. Their electricity bill was overdue. If they didn’t pay it their electricity was going to be turned off. It was the first and only time Sophie saw her mother cry. She always put on a happy face for her daughter.
The Pleasure of the Dean Page 4
