Read Write On Press Presents: The Ultimate Collection of Original Short Fiction, Volume II Page 38

  ~*~

  Nick muttered an oath to himself as he walked into the break room for a mid-morning break. Jesse was in the corner struggling with the candy machine.

  He was intent on keeping as much distance between himself and Jesse as humanly possible. It was impossible. He couldn’t take a breath without bumping into her. Every time he saw her he was reduced to the teenager he used to be: the boy lusting after Jessica Roberts. It was laughable, except he wasn’t laughing, not even close. Striding up to the machine he gave it a savage hit with his fist, effectively releasing her candy.

  “Thank you.” She appeared unruffled.

  “Don’t mention it.” He growled and walked away. He was not going to be any nicer to her than manners demanded, if that. He was pretty sure he could deal with his attraction to her in no short order. All he needed was a beautiful woman. This weekend, he thought desperately. This weekend was the Black and White fundraiser. He was taking Noel, a gorgeous model with silvery blonde hair, a body to die for, and the brain of a gnat. Perfect.

  Jesse would bring her husband and that would be that. His life would regain its balance and he could file his attraction to Dr. Jesse Holbrook in the past where it belonged. He wondered briefly if Wayne Holbrook would recognize him as the boy that had ended his football career. Considering Wayne had ruined his face, he figured they were about even. Still, he had trouble imaging them sitting across from each other in a civilized setting. He had trouble imagining a lot of things. Like Jesse married to Wayne.

  He gritted his teeth at the violence that rose in him at the thought of her with any man. Especially that jerk from high school, Wayne Holbrook. Yeah, Noel was definitely in order. He was a firm believer in distraction. All he had to do was get through this week.