Hotshot (The Bennett Brothers 1)

“So you and Claire are required to behave. No shenanigans.”

I giggle and hide my head. The day Claire found out I was going, she begged to go, too. Her assignment starts a week after mine, and she’s already planning our “Welcome to Charlotte” party.

“Bizzy, I can’t tell you how proud I am of you and what you’ll bring to the staff in Charlotte, but are you sure you want to do this?”

Evie knows… Evie knows everything. She was with Nicky and his parents when they received the news he was clear. She was also with me and my parents when I received the same news. She welcomed me with open arms when I transferred floors, and she’s known since I was fourteen about my crush on Shaw.

“Yes, I’m actually excited.”

“You were exceptional during Grady’s funeral. His parents are still bragging about you to the administration. You ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.”

My eyes and nose start to sting, because this woman has shaped my life. I became a nurse because of her. Among other things…

“I will. I’ll call.”

She hands me a small envelope. When I open it, I gasp. It’s filled with pictures of me and Nicky all those years ago. Good, bad, and ugly.

“Where’d you get these?”

“I’ve kept them. If you look through, you’ll see some of all the families, including you and Shaw. I think they’re important for you to take with you.”

“They’re priceless.” I hold them to my chest and once again fight back the emotions bubbling up.

“Go on and get out of here. I’ll see you in a few weeks when I’m in Charlotte.”

She waves me off but not before I catch the glistening in her eyes.

I clean out my locker and toss my backpack over my shoulder. Claire pouts at me as she passes, giving me a quick kick to the shin. She wants to leave with me tomorrow. Bet she’ll be less aggravated when she finds out we are staying in a furnished apartment instead.

I round the corner and stop dead. Sasha Crane is leaning against the nurse’s station, her hands resting on her rounding stomach and staring down the patient hallway.

Shit! The elevators and stairwell are behind her. There’s no way to escape without passing her. Plus, I really need to get to the staff computer before I leave. Seeing her in her designer suit and sky high heels, with her long hair flowing over her shoulders, makes me feel self-conscious in my teddy bear scrubs, but I force that out of my mind. Thinking about the things she said to Shaw and the hell she’s putting him through sets my blood boiling.

There’s no doubt she’s here to try and intimidate me—again. But that’s not happening today, or ever again. I swallow down the anger bubbling up and walk straight to the desk, rounding the corner and logging into the computer.

I feel her death glare b

ut don’t look up.

“You always wanted what I had.”

I ignore her statement and type furiously, sending a quick goodbye message to my co-workers.

“Don’t ignore me, Lizbeth Hastings.”

I glance up and give her my sweetest smile. “Are you here to see a patient?”

“Hell no! I’m here to tell you to keep your money-grubbing hands to yourself and leave Ren alone.”

“Well, if you’re not here to see a patient, are you lost?”

“Stop playing coy. It’s time you and I had a talk.”

“That’s not possible. I’ve been advised not to speak to you without a witness present. If you’d like to talk, I’d suggest having your lawyer call Caldwell, and it can be arranged.”

“That’s bullshit! Boyfriends, friends, sorority—you wanted what I had. This time, you have gone too far. I’ll deal with you being friendly with Nick, but I will never allow my child to be around you.”

I can’t stop the laugh that escapes, which only pisses her off more. As if her sixth sense has kicked in, Claire is at my side in an instant. I didn’t see her coming, but I’ve never been so glad for her in my life.