The Unexpected Crush, Book Two (An Alpha Billionaire In Love BBW Romance) Read Online Free

his lips.
    “Anyway,” Chase continued, “how was your week?”
    “Um… good,” I replied, slightly taken aback. He had never asked after my week or day before. “It’s actually been one of the smoothest weeks since I’ve been here.”
    “Well, that’s nice. Probably has something to do with not having had to work with me at all.” Something sad passed through his eyes as he said this, but it quickly disappeared. “Unfortunately, I have another case I need you to look at. I hope it doesn’t put too much of a damper on things.”
    “I thought I’d read through all of your files,” I responded, confused by the slight tingle of excitement I felt at the opportunity to work with Donahue… Chase … again.
    “Sadly, there was another death this week that needs to be examined. I hope you don’t mind,” he said as he handed over a file.
    “Um…” I felt like I should mind — I really did want to be free of this man and the haunting memories of what we’d done together. Or did I? Those memories didn’t want to stay where I’d hidden them, especially not when he was in front of me, smiling at me so casually. His entire face had softened with the addition of a genuine smile, and his pale grey eyes danced with excitement as he gazed back at me. I stared at the large hand cradling the file and couldn’t help but remember what that hand had felt like on my hot skin, exploring the curves of my body. As much as I hated him, I couldn’t deny that I felt drawn to him as well. But that chemistry was dangerous. I couldn’t afford to make another mistake. Things had just gotten back to normal.
    However, I really wasn’t in a position to tell him no. If I did, I would have to acknowledge our past indiscretions, as well as the continued desire on my part, which I couldn’t seem to dampen. Instead, I took the file from his hand and plastered on a fake smile.
    “I don’t mind,” I lied, just needing an excuse to get out of his office before I said or did something else I would regret.
    “Great,” he replied. “Can you have it read by tomorrow evening?”
    “Yes,” I answered, though that would mean I’d have no time to relax between now and then, as I was scheduled to begin another twelve-hour shift in less than ten hours’ time. But I just wanted to get this over with, so a meeting with him wouldn’t be hanging over my head all weekend. There was also a small part of me that was excited to see him again the following day, though I didn’t want to acknowledge it.
    “I’ll meet with you after my shift tomorrow,” I told him as I stood to leave.
    “Sounds good. It’s a date,” he replied.
    I tried not to flinch at those words. Obviously he meant that in the most professional way possible. At least that’s what I assured myself as I turned and headed to the door with a final “good bye!”
    Since time was of an essence, I splurged on a taxi instead of taking the bus home. Still, I was unable to fully focus on the file in front of me once I was back at my apartment. My feelings and desires were so tumultuous and conflicted, I was unable to fully immerse myself in the case. I was up much later than I meant to be and eventually fell asleep on the sofa, the image of bright grey eyes dancing through my mind.
    By the following evening, I was tired and more than a little cranky. Not only had I sacrificed sleep to carefully analyze the case report, but I had then experienced the most hectic ER shift I’d worked thus far. A five-car pileup on the freeway near the interstate had brought in over twenty patients within a one-hour period. Eventually, some of the patients were moved to nearby hospitals — and two were air-lifted to Portland General for more in-depth procedures — but it had been chaotic in the Emergency Room for a few hours.
    Thankfully, I had been sure to bring a change of clothes and toiletries to freshen up before my meeting — not that I was trying to impress Chase Donahue. I’d just