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“S o, what do you think?” My potential new boss, Nannette, smiles from the other side of the desk once she’s gone over the details of what my job will entail and all the fine print.

I think about the past twenty-four hours in Charleston.

I explored the city alone, but I didn’t mind it.

I ate some delicious food, drank some good coffee, and saw some beautiful sights.

There’s a sort of comfort here that I can’t explain.

It couldn’t be more opposite of Portland if it wanted to, but that feeling in my stomach—the one that pulls and tugs and makes me feel just …

empty—was still there.

But maybe that empty feeling is meant to be there.

Perhaps one day, it’ll subside.

Something inside of me is telling me to take this.

It’s saying that I need to give it a whirl and see what happens because I might never get a chance like this again—ever.

This job is everything I’ve wanted.

It’s the same long shifts I’ve been working for years, with a few days off to break it up.

It’s more money, and it even comes with a tiny but charming apartment.

The hospital is innovative and refreshing, and if I’m being honest …

so much more beautiful than the one I’ve been in for years.

Not that looks are everything, but this place is gorgeous, even for a hospital.

“I think I’d love to give it a try,” I say, knowing that I will only have to sign a six-month contract.

Even if I end up hating it here, six months isn’t all that bad, right?

A pleased smile tugs at her lips, and she gives me a small nod.

“Amazing! I was hoping you’d say that. We could really use another skilled nurse on our team, so we’re so excited to have you join. Let me go gather up the paperwork.”

As she stands, walking out of her office, I nervously wring my hands.

It’ll be weeks before I officially start here.

I need to talk to my current employer and let them know that I’ve decided to take this position and make sure I don’t leave them hanging or in a bad place by not giving them enough notice.

My lease isn’t up in my apartment in Maine for a year, but there’s a nurse I work with who’s been looking for a place of her own, so I know she’d gladly take it over.

The anxiety of everything I need to do to prepare for this move swirls in my belly, but I tell myself it’s all going to be fine.

This is going to be a good thing—I know it.

And another thing I’m vowing right now?

No men. No sex. No feelings.

Nothing of the sort.

This time is about me, and that’s it.

I don’t need things like penises or boyish grins clouding my judgment.

Welcome to the Saylor figures her shit out era.

Proceed with caution.

Fuck yes, Saylor. Goddamn, her ass is taking my cock so fucking good.

She’s so tight though.

I’m going to fucking lose it, and I’ve only just started.

When she reaches between my legs, cupping my balls before massaging them, I blow my load straight into her ass.

With my fist tight around my cock, I finish into my hand, just like I have for days before this too.

Ever since I fucked her, I can’t get her out of my head.

I’ve thought about going to her place multiple times, but she was pretty clear that she wasn’t interested in a repeat when it came to me.

Well, that, and Smith is my best friend.

Washing my hand off in the shower spray, I give my body one last rinse before turning the shower off and stepping out.

Normally, I don’t fucking jerk off this much.

I can usually find some willing hottie at one of the exclusive clubs here in Portland and fuck her brains out.

Now, even that doesn’t sound appealing anymore.

Saylor and I had a literal quickie in the cab of my truck, and still, it was the hottest sex I’d ever had.

She was so confident, and the sounds she made were so sexy and loud that they’ve been stuck in my mind ever since, and all I can do about it is fuck my hand in the shower, picturing it’s her.

Grabbing a towel and drying my hair and then body, I wrap it around my waist before heading into my bedroom.

On the nightstand, my phone screen lights up, and I walk over to look at it, noticing multiple missed calls from Logan and Smith.

“Fuck,” I utter, reading a message from Smith that says they are waiting by my gate.

I got so consumed in my fantasy about his sister that I lost track of time.

We’re supposed to be at Kolt’s by now.

He had a doctor’s appointment yesterday, and we all agreed now is the time to show him support while he recovers.

I hit Logan’s contact because he’s the last missed call.

“Yo, fuckhead. What the fuck are you doing? We’ve been outside for, like, fifteen minutes.”

“Sorry, I was in the shower,” I say, and instantly, I regret it.

Logan has the mind of a thirteen-year-old boy, and telling him I was in the shower for this entire time …

not smart.

“Ohhh shit, Cambridge,” he drawls, the grin clear in his tone.

“That usually takes me about … two to three minutes.” He pauses.

“Our boy’s got stamina!”

When I hear the entire cab of his truck chiming in and laughing, I want to kick myself right in the ball sack for throwing myself under the bus.

“I’ll be right out,” I grumble.

“If you make fun of me, Sterns, I’ll bring a clown into the arena with me tomorrow. And I’ll force him to follow you around all day.”

Logan becomes quiet.

“That’s just mean, Ryder. I thought we were tight.”

I smirk, knowing I’m a genius.

If Logan is scared of anything, it’s clowns.

So, now, at least I can have a nice ride with the guys, hopefully being left alone about my shower.

I mean, it’s not exactly like I can tell Smith who I was thinking about in there.

Fucker is terrifying.