Working with the Doctor: Hot & Heavy in Paradise, #18

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Rayleen

Having the hots for someone you work with is never easy. There’s always the dilemma of whether or not you should act on those feelings. I’d always been a good girl, and even though I’d thought prior coworkers were attractive, I’d never dated anyone.

Tell me again why we can’t do this at home? my best friend Tenley asked as we walked on the treadmill.

Because getting out makes us accountable. Lies. I told her that to get her to come to the workout facility at Paradise General. The real reason I wanted to work out at the gym there would arrive in three… two…

Good morning, ladies, Isaac said as he sauntered into the room, a towel over his shoulder.

Morning Doctor Johnston, Tenley replied.

Me? I was too busy staring at the nice muscles on the man and trying not to show how much he affected me. This was one of those times I wished it were acceptable to wear sunglasses indoors so I could check him out without being so obvious.

I averted my eyes to the screen on my machine so I wouldn’t be tempted to watch the doctor’s every move. Yes, it was why I was here, but when he walked in, I wasn’t sure how to act. When a treadmill whirled to life in front of us, my gazed lifted, and I saw Doctor McHottie trotting along like he was in one of those commercials running down the beach with the wind in his hair, not on Satan’s Sidewalk.

Earth to Rayleen, Tenley called loudly from right beside me.

My step faltered, and I almost fell off the moving belt. You can’t do that to me, I said as I grabbed hold of the handrails, righting myself.

I’ve been saying your name for a couple minutes.

My side eye told her I didn’t believe it.

Okay, so it was more like three times, but I swear you weren’t listening the first time.

I powered down the evil machine and wiped my face with the towel I’d brought.

See ya, Doc, Tenley said as we passed Isaac on the way out.

Ladies, he said with a smile and salute.

Tenley’s eyes widened as she grabbed me by the elbow and pulled me through the gym and into the women’s locker room.

Holy crapballs, you like him!

Shh, keep your voice down, I scolded.

You like him? she whispered with wide eyes.

My shrug was the only answer she was getting.

Tenley shrieked with joy and bounced up and down, clapping her hands. Girl, we are going to snag you a doctor.

Again, keep your voice down. I made my way around the room looking under the stalls to make sure we were alone. And we aren’t snagging me anything.

Doctor Johnston is like one of Paradise Gen’s most eligible bachelors. Why wouldn’t you want a chance at that?

Because if things go south, it might get way messy. It’s not worth it.

C’est la vie. Grab the bull by the horns. You are a strong independent woman.

That’s life? Really?

Huh?

C’est la vie. That’s what it means.

I thought it meant seize the day.

Carpe diem.

What?

Tenley was thoroughly confused.

Carpe diem. It means seize the day.

Then you go out there and carpe diem, bitch.

Nope, I can’t do it. I looked in the mirror, studying my reflection. Tenley had come over to help me get ready, and I shouldn’t have taken her up on the offer. My hair was down in big curls, makeup done tastefully yet sexy, and the skinny jeans and shirt hugged my figure.

He’s sure to notice you.

"Why am I going into work on my day