Adônis MacGyver had never once felt nervous asking that question. Usually, if a woman said she was taken, he'd shrug and move on. But this time, he found himself hoping Vasti wouldn't say yes.
Just picturing her—so stunning, so tempting—with someone else had him gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly.
Get it together, man! What the hell are you doing? You don't even know this woman, you fool! He scolded himself.
What do you think? Vasti shot back, shaking her head in disbelief. "Honestly, that's kind of insulting."
Asking if you have a boyfriend is insulting?
She fixed him with a look.
Of course! Do you really think if I had a boyfriend, I'd have—
Her voice caught. She stared straight ahead, lips quivering. He could see it on her face—she thought he saw her as just another fling, nothing special. If she'd had a boyfriend, there was no way she'd have let things go as far as they did. She would never have run off with him, never have thought about losing her virginity to a man who wasn't hers!
I just wanted to be sure. I don't get involved with women who are already taken, Adônis MacGyver explained, but Vasti didn't buy it. "I mean it. I know you'll probably say you're not like that, but I'd rather risk asking than assume and end up looking like a fool."
Vasti hesitated, knowing full well there were women out there who would keep a boyfriend secret just for a shot at a man like him.
For one thing, she said, drawing an imaginary line between them with her finger. "We're not dating. So there's no reason for you to know anything about my personal life."
Vasti, we need to talk, Adônis MacGyver said, his tone shifting. "Will that work for you? After work—today. It's... something important."
Vasti's teeth sank into her lip, and her throat felt tight.
Are you going to fire me? If that's the plan, let's just get it over with.
He pulled the car over and looked at her, gently lifting her chin.
If I wanted to fire you, I'd have done it already. Honestly, my life would be a lot simpler if you weren't my employee, Adônis MacGyver said, letting out a long sigh. "But this is something else. It's serious."
So this is your way of telling me that nothing's going to happen between us except sex, so I shouldn't get my hopes up? Vasti said flatly. "If that's the case, don't worry. There's not going to be any sex."
Adônis MacGyver sucked in a sharp breath and stopped her from getting out of the car. She shot him a cold look. He wanted to say, hell yes, he hoped there'd be a lot more—especially sex— but he managed to keep it to himself.
Fine, he said. "But that's not what this is about. After work?"
Vasti still had no clue what was so important, but she decided she'd hear him out. Maybe he'd get whatever it was off his chest, and she could finally have a peaceful day at work.
Alright, she agreed.
Any idea how long you'll be? He nodded toward the hospital.
Vasti had already cracked the door open.
Nope. Don't wait for me, she said, giving him a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "And… thanks for the ride!"
She stepped out of the car, and Adônis MacGyver had to fight the urge to follow her, grab her hand, and figure out exactly why she was here. So he stayed put. He'd wait—she didn't have much time left, and she'd end up late for work if she lingered. He planned to drive her afterward, and once they reached the office, they'd take separate elevators—no need to make her uncomfortable or give anyone in the company something to gossip about. Last night, he'd only cornered Vasti in the pantry because they'd been completely alone!
It wasn't that Adônis MacGyver was embarrassed to be seen with her—far from it—but at work, he had to keep things strictly professional. If Vasti agreed to what he had in mind, they'd need to stay under the radar. Extremely under the radar.
But that doesn't mean I won't enjoy this gorgeous woman in every corner of the office—even on company time. Adônis MacGyver smirked, already picturing Vasti on his desk, lost in his touch.
Meanwhile, inside the hospital, Vasti headed straight for her grandmother's room.
The old woman was halfway through breakfast when her granddaughter walked in. Her face lit up with a huge smile the moment she saw Vasti.
Oh, Vasti! she exclaimed, setting her glass on the tray. "I've missed you!"
Hi, Grandma! Good morning! Vasti greeted, flashing a bright smile. She also nodded to the nurse, who quietly slipped out to give them some privacy. The hospital staff all knew Vasti by now, and she'd arranged with the doctor to visit early, before work. The doctor had granted Vasti special permission for that visiting hour. The elderly woman had no family left, and Vasti couldn't come by in the mornings or afternoons because she had to work to cover the cost of the patient's treatment.
Good morning, dear! she greeted warmly, taking a spoonful of porridge before continuing. "How was work today? Are you liking it there? Is your boss treating you well?"
Vasti had to bite back the truth. If she even hinted that Adônis MacGyver had been impossible from day one, her grandmother might just storm out of the hospital and hunt him down herself.
Everything's fine, Grandma, she said, settling into the chair by the bed. "Everyone's been really nice. The woman I'm filling in for has been especially helpful."
Oh, that's wonderful to hear! her grandmother beamed.
The genuine joy in the old woman's smile made Vasti squirm inside. The truth was, her boss wasn't nice to her at all. His interest in her went far beyond anything professional.
I just wanted to check in on you, Vasti said softly. "I'll talk to the doctor, then head to work."
Vasti finished feeding her grandmother, pressed a kiss to her forehead, and set off to find the doctor.
Miss Cortez! the doctor, Lockwood, greeted her. He was young and handsome, a fact the nurses liked to mention every chance they got.
Dr. Scott! Vasti replied, managing a smile. "How's my grandmother doing?"
Well… about that. He hesitated. "The hospital asked me about the surgery payment. I said I'd check with you." He looked a bit uncomfortable having to bring it up.
Her brow creased.
Wait—it hasn't been paid? My f— She caught herself. "The person I asked to handle it promised they would."
Vasti cursed herself for trusting her father, Dimas, with something so important.
I'm not sure, Dr. Scott admitted. "As of this morning, we haven't received confirmation of payment." He offered an apologetic look. "I understand things are difficult right now. If… if you need help…"
He stood close, his expression softening as he gently took her hand. Vasti felt her cheeks burn and slipped her hand free, not wanting to give him any false hope. The man was attractive, smart, and unfailingly polite—but she didn't want to lead him on.
Thank you, but I'll handle this myself, she said. "If you'll excuse me, I really have to go."
He cleared his throat, clearly a bit embarrassed.
Of course, he said. "I'll wait for word from the finance office. But I mean it— don't worry so much. If you need help, just ask."
Thank you, Vasti said with a polite nod before leaving.
Dr. Scott hadn't come out and said anything, but it was obvious to Vasti that he was interested in her. She had to admit, it was flattering— he was gorgeous, after all. Still, she felt nothing for him. Not that way.
Like you feel about Adônis MacGyver, the sarcastic voice in her head chimed in. Vasti shoved that thought aside— useless, ridiculous nonsense!
Vasti slipped through the double doors and glanced at the empty spot where Adônis MacGyver's car had been parked. For reasons she didn't want to admit, she'd kind of hoped he would still be waiting for her. Shaking it off, Vasti headed for the bus stop, trying to focus on work and the phone call she'd need to make to Dimas. He had promised he'd take care of the surgery bill!
But it's fine, it's fine. Everything's going to work out. Today's going to be a good day!
What she didn't know was that Adônis MacGyver had actually waited for her.
