Early Friday morning finds me idly paging through a medical journal as I wait. The receptionist meets my eye and smiles broadly each time I glance up. I don't want to create a misunderstanding, so I return her smile in a friendly, but impersonal manner. I wonder whether she's heard any rumors about my reputation. Not that it matters to me; I'm certainly not interested in attracting any female other than Bella. Although, that has nothing to do with my response to the receptionist, the conversation with Geraldine Brody is still uppermost in my mind.
Doctor Doyle finally appears to greet me. There are only three board members present today, my dad, Lionel Doyle and Robert Jansen. I greet the two with a handshake and notice that the table setting is less formal, with chairs placed around it. It's obvious by the paperwork at one end that this is where we are intended to sit. Doctor Doyle moves to the head of the table and my dad and Doctor Jansen sit on his left. He gestures for me to take a seat on his right.
"Make yourself comfortable, Doctor Masen. Thank you for joining us once again."
My dad pours four glasses of water from the carafe and places a glass in front of each person as Lionel Doyle continues.
"After our first round of interviews, the Board discussed each candidate's suitability and merits in great detail, and we are in unanimous agreement. It was decided that we three would conduct the final interviews and report back to the full Board. The Board will then meet to decide on the new incumbent. Only two candidates have been invited back for a second interview. Obviously, since you are here, you are now aware that you are one of those people. You impressed everyone greatly at the last meeting. You've now had time to digest the full implications of the role, and we would like to revisit certain areas. We hope to gain a deeper understanding of your feelings and motivations for the job."
When he's done, I think about what he's said for a moment. It makes perfect sense to me that these three men be present at the final interviews. Doctor Doyle's area of expertise covers the educational aspects of becoming a doctor as well as the administrative area of operating a large complex and large hospital. My dad represents the surgical side and has an in-depth knowledge of how St. Luc's operates. Doctor Jansen's knowledge is in the broader area of general practice patient care.
"Doctor Doyle, I thank you for the high honor the Board has bestowed on me. I'm humbled to be included on your shortlist. I would appreciate your conveying my thanks to the other board members as well."
"Well, Doctor Masen, let's start by going over your thinking for the ongoing education of our surgical team. How do you propose that we keep them updated with advances in medicine, surgical techniques and equipment? It's a daunting task." Doctor Jansen states.
This time, rather than simply listening to my responses and moving on to the next question, the four of us enter into deep discussion and debate about all aspects of the job. The topics span a wide range, further and ongoing education of the surgical team, and the merits of new surgical techniques and just how leading edge we would want St. Luc's to be. We also discuss the interface between the surgical team and other departments in the hospital and how that can be improved. In many ways, the discussions remind me of the number of times since I've become a surgeon, that my dad and I would become deeply engrossed in conversations such as this. We're often subjected to the wry comments of our family because of it.
Doctor Jansen finally sits back with a small smile and says, "I think we've covered just about everything. Thank you so much, Edward, for your insights. It's been very interesting and stimulating."
Doctor Doyle stands and the rest of us follow. "Doctor Masen, we will be in touch with you within a week to let you know of our decision. Once again, thank you so much for your time." He holds out his hand and shakes mine warmly.
I shake hands with Doctor Jansen and turn to farewell my dad, when he says, "I'll see you out, Edward."
He steps into the reception area with me and turns. He takes my hand in his and gives me a warm pat on the back.
"Well done, Son. You make me proud," he says quietly so that only I can hear.
"Thanks, Dad," I all but whisper and give him a broad smile before I leave.
As I wait for the elevator to arrive, I realize that I have no idea who the other shortlisted candidate is. I wonder if it is Mike Newton. I hope he doesn't get the job, because that would make him my boss.
Fuck that!
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"Oh, fuck…Bella!" I groan as she moves over me. She's facing away from me. I find the vision of her in this position overwhelmingly erotic, and I have to really struggle not to lose control. She looks at me over her shoulder and smiles seductively.
My eyes remain fixated on the way her luscious ass raises up and down. I'm mesmerized and almost brought undone by the sight alone of her taking me into her warm, wet body, then releasing me, only to engulf me again.
"Shit!" I hiss as she bridges back, changing the angle. The ends of her long hair, skim my chest repeatedly, tickling my drenched skin as she glides back and forth.
My climax is approaching violently, and I can feel that she's not that far behind.
"Yes, just like that!" I praise and grip her hips, guiding her to stay in this rhythm. She moans in appreciation as she too feels it. Her movements start to become tight and more pronounced, and her head lolls back.
"Oh, God, please!"
I know instantly what she wants, what she needs. My hand slips in-between her legs; and with just a couple of strokes, I bring her crashing to orgasm. I follow her spectacularly seconds later.
As we lie entangled, I think about how every experience I have with Bella is heightened. It doesn't matter how many women I've been with, they fade into nothingness when compared to the way she affects me. She's enslaved me completely; she stimulates, comforts and satisfies me in every way… mind, body and soul.
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The next morning, I drop Bella off at her office on my way in to work. I step out of the car and walk around to open the door for her.
"You're such a gentleman."
"I try hard to be…with you."
"Only with me?" She laughs and kisses me quickly.
"Well, you know. I'm no saint."
She rolls her eyes and kisses me again.
"No, you're not, and could we please refrain from using biblical references after what we did last night and again this morning?"
"We could," I laugh and suck my teeth, "but the number of times God's name was called…"
"Point taken, no need to finish the statement," she giggles. "Will I see you later?"
"It'll most likely be much later. I'm on call well into the night." I smooth out the collar of her already neatly pressed navy blazer.
"That's fine with me. Just call me before you're on your way so I can make sure that I'm awake to let you in."
"Okay." I kiss her one last time, before she turns to head up to her office. As I watch her walk away, I remember something I forgot to ask her.
"Bella?" I call out and jog to catch up to her.
"I know it's a bit premature of me, and I'm getting ahead of myself, but I wanted to ask if you'll go to the banquet with me? I'd be expected to attend whether I'm appointed or not, as it's St. Luc's annual dinner but also as a show of support for whomever gets the position."
She smiles at me and shakes her head.
"You're so full of shit. You're expecting to get that promotion because you know that you're the most talented and respected surgeon in the running for the job, and yes, I would be honored to accompany the new Chief of Surgery, Edward." She reaches out and strokes my jaw affectionately. "I'll see you later."
I'm left behind watching as the woman I'm crazy about walks away, and I'm in awe. I'm literally in awe because of the way she's accepted me into her life, despite all my flaws and past indiscretions. I wish there was a way for me to show her just how much she means to me.
She suddenly turns and looks over her shoulder at me, smiling brightly, and my heart leaps. As she turns and walks away, a young woman in the parking lot catches her attention, and she stops to talk to her.
I think about how undeserving I am to have won her over and to keep her in my life. I've thought that every moment since we've entered into this relationship. I smile as I think back to the first time I met her. We both made a memorable first impression on the other, and not for the same reasons, I'm sure.
"Good morning, Doctor Masen. I thought your wife would be accompanying you today?"
She's the most stunningly attractive woman I've ever seen. And believe me, I've seen plenty.
"As far as I know, she'll be here, this is her idea after all." I can't mask my annoyance, even though my attention keeps reverting to her pouty, pink lips.
"Well, that's fine." She chuckles and offers me her hand. "I'm Doctor Isabella Swan, and I'm glad that you could make it. I know you're an exceptionally busy man."
"Yes I am." I respond curtly as I shake her hand then take the seat in front of her desk that she proffers.
"I respect that, and I won't keep you any longer than necessary. This works out perfectly, actually. It gives me time to gain insight into how you're feeling, before your wife gets here." She smiles and sits behind her desk. I know her motives, she's trying to disarm me and make me feel comfortable enough to bare my soul.
Doctor Isabella Swan, you're barking up the wrong goddamned tree if you think this is going to be a walk in the park.
"Insight?" I ask snidely. No one, not even my family has that kind of view into my feelings, why the hell does she think she'll gain it?
"Yes, Doctor Masen, it's what therapists need to enable them to help their patients. The goal at these sessions, it is for all parties to gain insight into the issues, which impact on the relationship in question. You and your wife will hopefully gain insight into how the other really feels, and I will gain insight into the areas where I can help you both to navigate a path to better understanding."
I raise one eyebrow skeptically but remain silent. This is just bullshit psychobabble, as far as I'm concerned. She pretends that she hasn't noticed my response and continues.
"As I haven't had the opportunity to speak with you before now, I'm hoping that the short time we have while we wait for your wife will break the ice, so to speak. As you know, I've already spoken with Mrs. Masen, so why don't you start by telling me what you'd like to gain from therapy." She pulls out her pad and pen, most likely, ready to scribble down and analyze all types of shit that comes out of my mouth. Well, I won't make it easy for her.
"What I've just heard is standard textbook psychobabble, Doctor. I'm surprised that you're able to make a living by spouting stuff that I'd expect from any first year psych student."
It's a cheap shot, but so is her treating me like some bloody idiot. I don't want Isabella Swan to think I'll be a pushover. Her smile fades as she writes something down.
"I do just fine in making a living, Doctor Masen, and no one has run for the exit yet. Your theory seems to be lacking in foundation, so can we get started on the basics, given that you are unable to articulate what you'd like to gain from therapy. Tell me a little about yourself."
You have got to be fucking kidding me. How did I end up here? Oh, right, the wife and those fucking discs.
She looks at me, waiting for me to offer up something. I raise my eyebrows while I stare back at her, indicating that I have the same expectation of her. I can tell by the long, though silent breath she exhales that she's already frustrated with me.
My eyes travel from her eyes to her lips and finally settle on the delicate, gold chain around her neck. The pendant sits snugly at the indentation at the base of her throat. I lick my lips at the slight movement when she swallows or breathes.
I want to lick her there.
"You could start by telling me who you are."
I frown at her incredulously.
"I'm sorry, you're wasting my time and yours by asking these mundane questions. The intake form tells you exactly who I am. And you call yourself a therapist?" I scoff.
Her beautiful features diffuse in anger.
"Doctor Masen, I can assure you that this is the way I run my therapy sessions. Despite the fact that you and I specialize in different medical fields, I think it is safe to say that we both have a good handle on how to practice our specialties and what to expect from doctor-patient interactions. I'm sure that you would never allow a patient to treat you in the manner you've demonstrated today, regardless of what that patient may think or feel. Now, I have read the details that you so kindly enlightened me are available on the intake form. Those details provide information about your identity, your birth date, contact details and what you do. It does not tell me who you are, Doctor. Or are you nothing more than a name, birth date, address, telephone number and an occupation? What I asked was, do you know who you are, do you understand why you are here, and furthermore, what are your expectations of your and your wife's therapy sessions?"
She's pissed, and for me, it's an absolute turn on. I chuckle darkly to myself, at how easily I'm able to get under her skin.
"Now, we have obviously wasted precious time with this unnecessary conversation, and I'm sure your wife will be arriving any minute, so I'll just abandon the topic until our next session."
I open my mouth to speak, but she cuts me off.
"Instead," she emphasizes the word and shoots me a near murderous glare, daring me to speak. I feel the corners of my mouth quiver in a threatening smile, but I fight to hold it back. "Instead, I'd like you to complete an assignment. You need to truly think of the answer to my question. As in, who are you, Doctor Masen. I'll need you to articulate this to me at our next session. "
I can't resist the urge to make this day worth my while.
I tap my chin and arch an eyebrow suggestively, "Do you expect that in writing or orally?"
Damn, I was such a prick back then, but we've come a long way.
I stare at her and smile as she waves to me. My divorce is final, and I know in my heart and soul, that she's definitely the one for me.
Not since Irina, have I felt this strongly about a woman, and my feelings for Irina pale into insignificance compared to what I feel for Bella.
The feelings that I've tried so hard to understand are now becoming clear, and I can't wait to share them with her.
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I stop off at my office to check on messages before I start my morning rounds. I start in the ER. It seems quiet; less chaotic than usual, the day should run smoothly.
"Good morning, Doctor Masen."
"Morning, Jess. You're assisting with the A-Fib, later." I announce as I read over a patient's chart.
"Yes, Doctor Masen."
I walk over to the surgical board and read over the current cases.
"Good morning, all." He announces as he enters, more chipper than I normally see him being.
"Morning, Masen. It's a lovely day for surgery, wouldn't you agree?"
"Morning, Mike. What has you in such a good mood?" I keep my focus on the board as he stands beside me.
"Oh, not much, I just had my second interview for the Chief of Surgery role with the Board."
So, now I know that he's the other short-listed candidate. The idiot doesn't even have the class to be discreet about it. I'm not sure whether he has any inkling that I'm in the race with him, but for now, I'll just play his game and wait to see how things turn out.
"I take it that you've had positive feedback during the interview?" I ask disinterestedly. I know that the Board would not have told him anymore than they've revealed to me. He's just baiting me.
"Absolutely, even your father seemed to be impressed with me."
Now he's just trying to turn the knife, and I feel my ire rise, despite my resolve.
"Why wouldn't he be? You're an exceptional surgeon. Everybody knows this, Mike, especially my father. Or did you forget that he once held the position and has the ability and experience to recognize exceptional talent?" I bite out.
He's such an asshole.
"You know more than anyone, how much I admire your father. I idolize the man."
I snort at his revelation. Yes, Mike is obsessed with Doctor Edward Masen Senior.
"How amazing! You and I finally find some common ground. What's the world coming to?" I say snidely as I walk away, leaving him looking at his schedule.
"That position is mine, Masen," he calls out, and I smirk at him over my shoulder.
We'll see about that, Newton
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I look across the lot and wave to the man who's changed my life. I can tell that he shares my happiness, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the way things are turning out between us.
I turn toward my office, and I'm practically bowled over by a young woman.
"Oh, God, I'm sorry. I'm such a klutz," she apologizes as she stoops to pick up her things, and I bend down to assist.
"It's all right. Believe me, I understand the early morning rush." I give her a reassuring smile.
"I wish it was just that." She mutters and looks over her shoulder apprehensively.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just thought I saw someone I used to know," she deadpans. "It's probably a good thing that I'm not too sure it was him."
"Old boyfriend?"
"Old jackass."
I stifle a laugh.
"Well, if it were not for the jackasses, we wouldn't come to appreciate the gentlemen." I laugh, and she smiles back at me.
"Writer?"
"Therapist." I watch as her facial expression morphs into realization.
"You're Dr. Swan!" She exclaims excitedly. "I just left your office."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did my receptionist arrange an appointment?"
"Um, no," she chuckles lightly. "I'm a friend of Leah's. I just stopped by to see if she could join me for lunch so we could catch up. I just got back into town."
"Oh, yes, she's mentioned you. You were studying abroad. You want to be a physician's assistant, right?"
"Yes. My flight landed about two hours ago, and I called Leah to see if it was okay to stop by. I hope I didn't get her into any trouble."
"No trouble at all. Leah's a terrific young woman and a hard worker. You can stop by whenever you like. It was nice meeting you…"
"Justine, my name is Justine."