All Chapters of Cruel Love Back in His Hands : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Kristine was in the middle of revising a patient portal design when the receptionist called her desk."Kristine, there's a Dr. Townsend here to see you?""I don't have any meetings scheduled.""She says she's here to support Dr. Mitchell's consulting work. Should I send her up?"Kristine's stomach dropped. Townsend. Like Claire Townsend."Um. Yeah. Send her up."She saved her work with shaking hands. Claire was here. At her office. The woman who'd destroyed her relationship was about to walk through that door.Stay professional. You can do this. she said to herself. Two minutes later, a tall brunette stepped off the elevator. White coat over designer clothes, perfect makeup, confident stride. She was beautiful in that polished, intimidating way that made Kristine instantly feel inadequate."Kristine Davis?" Claire extended her hand, smiling warmly. "I'm Dr. Claire Townsend. It's so wonderful to finally meet you."Kristine forced herself to shake her hand. "Dr. Townsend. I wasn't awa

"We need to finalize the presentation for the pharmaceutical clients by Friday." Richard stood at the head of the conference table, looking between Kristine and George. "That's two days. Can you two work together on this?"Kristine glanced at George. They hadn't been alone together since that conversation in the conference room three days ago. Since she'd said yes to trying again."Of course," George said. "Whatever you need.""Good. Kristine, I want you to walk George through all the visual components. George, you need to verify medical accuracy on every slide. The clients are paying serious money for this platform. It needs to be perfect.""When do we start?" Kristine asked."Now. I've booked conference room A for the rest of the day. Everything's already loaded on the computer in there."Great. A whole day alone with George in a small room.They gathered their laptops and headed down the hall. Conference room A was one of the smaller ones, with a table that barely fit four people.

The restaurant was tucked away in a quiet corner of Fremont, the kind of place you'd miss if you weren't looking for it. Soft lighting, jazz playing low in the background, maybe ten tables total. Perfect.Kristine arrived first and sat at the corner table George had reserved. Her hands were sweating. Her heart wouldn't stop racing. This was ridiculous. She'd known George for years. Had loved him for years. So why did this feel like a first date?"Wow."She looked up. George stood at the table, staring at her like she'd taken his breath away."What?""You. That dress. I—wow."Kristine looked down at the simple blue dress she'd changed into three times before settling on. "It's nothing special.""It's perfect. You're perfect." He sat down across from her, still staring. "I'm sorry, I'll stop gaping like an idiot in a second but Jesus, Kristine. You're so beautiful."Her face burned. "Stop.""I'm serious! How did I survive five years without seeing you? How did I function?""George—""Yo

"Yes."George blinked. "Yes?""Yes. Come to my apartment.""Are you sure?""If you make me say it again, I might change my mind.""I'm following you right now. Don't move. I'm getting in my car."Kristine laughed as he practically ran to his vehicle parked three spaces down. She pulled out of the parking lot and he followed close behind, his headlights in her rearview mirror the entire drive.Twenty minutes later, they were pulling into her apartment complex. George parked next to her and got out."You live here?""For two years now. Why?""It's nice. Really nice.""It's just an apartment.""With security and everything. I like it."They walked to the elevator. The ride up to the third floor felt eternal. Neither of them spoke but George kept stealing glances at her, smiling like he couldn't help himself."What?" Kristine asked."Nothing. Just happy.""You're always happy lately.""Only around you."The elevator dinged. They walked down the hallway to her door. Kristine fumbled with h

George was reviewing patient files in his temporary office when his email pinged.Subject: Contract Extension ApprovalHe opened it."Dr. Mitchell, we're pleased to inform you that your consulting contract with Caldwell Technologies has been extended for an additional six months, effective immediately. Your contributions to the medical software platform have been exceptional and we look forward to continued collaboration. - Nathan Caldwell, COO"George stared at the screen.Nathan approved the extension. Nathan, who clearly hated him. Nathan, who warned him to stay away from Kristine. Nathan, who looked at him like he wanted to throw him out a window.That Nathan just extended his contract for six more months.Something wasn't right.George picked up his phone and called Kristine."Hey, did you know about the contract extension?""What extension?""Nathan just approved six more months for me.""He did? That's great!""Is it? I thought he wanted me gone.""Maybe he realized you're good