She nodded as she looked down into her bowl. “No offense taken. Just curious.”
“Anyway…” I brushed over the awkwardness, relieved that it was finally done, that we could forget what I said months ago, and I could just be his assistant now. “He was really moved by the pictures you gave me.”
“I knew he would be.” She smiled triumphantly. “As humans, we focus solely on the bad, for a lifetime, and forget all the good. I knew he needed to be reminded of all the people he’s helped, of the people living their lives right now because of what he’s done for them. It inspired him just the way I hoped.”
“It inspired me too.” I saw his heart outside his chest, saw how big and loving it was. I saw a man different from all the others, someone that truly cared about other people. “It made me so thankful for this job, because while I liked working at the Trinity Building, I feel like I’m making such a difference, and I haven’t really gotten started.”
She grinned widely and dropped her gaze, practically triumphant.
“What?”
She turned back to me, still grinning. “I thought you didn’t like fixer-uppers…”
22
Dex
My first day at the clinic was really jarring, to say the least.
I met the research team, got up to speed on what projects were underway, and was given an office to process paperwork and catch up. Most of my colleagues knew me by name even though we’d never met, and it was a warm environment to be welcomed in. It was my first dip back into this ocean, but the second I got my feet wet, everything felt familiar. My interest was piqued, and it was immediately far more interesting and satisfying than my tenure at the Trinity Building and the lab.
It felt like it was the first time I’d ever really used my brain to full capacity. I read through their data and projects, sitting in my office at my practice for hours and making my notes because all of their work was fascinating, and it got the wheels in my own head turning.
A knock sounded on my door, and I stiffened at the sound, my concentration shattered for the first time in hours. “It’s open.”
Sicily walked inside with a paper bag in her hand, rocking another bitchin’ outfit of a tight black dress and snake-patterned boots underneath. The skintight material showed the curves of her hips and that tiny little waist…and then those nice, plump tits.
Okay, Dex…get your shit together.
I set down my papers and leaned back in my chair to give her my attention. “What brings you here?”
She raised the bag and placed it on my desk. “No compliment on the outfit today?” She teased me with that cute smile and playfulness in her gaze.
I let out a slight chuckle, but it was full of a couple awkward coughs. “Yeah…also bitchin’.”
She opened the paper bag, probably completely clueless to how much I really liked her outfit—and the curves underneath. I liked women of all shapes and sizes, but I really loved her hips and her thighs. They were a little thick, but that gave her a striking figure in tight clothing. “I thought I’d bring you lunch. Wasn’t sure if you’d have time to grab something.” She pulled out a green salad, a sandwich, and a side of fruit.
“Didn’t cross my mind, actually.”
“Your mother told me that was exactly what would happen, and that woman is always right.”
“Annoying, isn’t it?”
“I find it fascinating, actually. She told me that intelligent and ambitious people like your father will get so caught up in whatever they’re focusing on that they’ll forget all the other stimulation being sent to their brain.” She snapped her fingers. “Just like that, their brain ignores it. So, then you won’t eat or move for really long periods of time, which becomes a problem. And apparently, the three of you are just like that.”
That was a damn good description. “Yeah, that’s accurate.”
“Anyway, I thought you should eat.”
I opened the containers and pulled them close. “Everything looks good.”
“Great.” She took a seat at the corner of the desk, sitting straight so the curve in her lower back was really prominent. “How’s your first day going?”
I poured the dressing onto my salad then mixed it together before I took a bite. “Not bad. I’ve spent the day catching up on all the projects. The work is good, so it’s exciting to get involved.”
She nodded. “That’s great to hear.”
“They said I can jump on one of the teams or start my own project. Haven’t decided yet.” There was no dress code at the clinic, so I wore jeans and a hoodie, just like my dad. Derek didn’t wear a suit to work either. Suits were uncomfortable and only compensated for lack of confidence.
“I’m glad you’re getting settled in nicely.”