Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 76452 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 306(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76452 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 306(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
“I didn’t realize you two knew each other, but that will make today that much easier. Charlotte will be escorting you to our two satellite locations,” Dr. Phillips explains. Spencer pulls his searing gaze from mine and gives Dr. Phillips his attention. “She knows our facilities and operations like the back of her hand, so you’ll be in good hands,” Dr. Phillips explains.
Spencer looks over at me, and his brown eyes smolder. “I’m certain her hands will be just fine,” he replies.
“Great.” Dr. Phillips claps his hands.
How did he miss that innuendo? How do I get out of this? It hits me that I’m going to have to look for a new job. No way I can work under him. An image of me physically under him pops into my mind, but I push it down. Way, way down deep. Our previous weekend together has me out of sorts. I don’t think about Spencer like that. That’s not who we are, but those eyes of his, the dark orbs, seem to be undressing me on their own accord. I shift on my feet, feeling uncomfortable under his gaze. Reaching out, I grip the leather chair in front of me.
“Let’s get started. We have about an hour and a half before lunch is delivered, and then the two of you can head to the satellite offices.” Dr. Phillips pulls out a chair and takes a seat. He has no idea my heart is about to beat out of my chest or that if my hand wasn’t gripping the back of the chair in front of me, I might crumple to the floor because my knees are shaking so badly.
“Dr. Phillips—” I lick my suddenly dry lips. “I’d love for you to join us.” My tone is even, and I don’t know how I’m pulling it off because I’m shaking on the inside. My world has just been turned upside down with this new information. It’s bad enough I didn’t know about the potential buyout until this morning, and now this. Spencer Pennington, my college rival and a royal pain in my ass, is going to be my new boss.
I have to find a new job.
Sadness washes over me. I love what I do. I love the physicians and the staff, but there is no way in hell that Spencer is going to be my boss. I’ll deal until I find something new, but I’m definitely going to start my search.
Why can nothing ever be easy? I feel like Audrey and I, since losing our parents, have been running a rat race that never seems to slow down.
“You’ll do just fine, Charlotte,” he says kindly. “Now, let’s get down to it. Mr. Pennington, what questions do you have for us?”
Spencer begins to ask questions about the processes of the practice, new patient acquisition, and staffing. I don’t know how, but I manage to answer questions when they’re directed at me, but for the most part, I let Dr. Phillips take the lead. It pisses me off because the last thing I want is for Spencer to think that I’m shit at my job.
I’m not.
I’m damn good at what I do, but I’ve been thrown a huge curveball today, and I’m struggling to make sense of it all. I hate that I’m going to have to find a new job, and then there’s the worry that I won’t find anything in Charleston. Audrey just moved in with me, and I can’t abandon her, not after what she’s been through. I’m just going to have to suck it up and deal. I mean, how involved will he be? Surely, he has a COO or director that will handle the day-to-day. What CEO works directly with a practice administrator? I’m freaking out because it’s him.
Everything is going to work out.
I hope.
“Well, lunch should be here.” Dr. Phillips stands, and I realize we’ve been in this room for close to two hours talking, and I didn’t retain one single thing we discussed. I need to get it together. “Charlotte, I’ll leave you with Mr. Pennington. Enjoy lunch and the rest of your day. Mr. Pennington.” He turns to look at Spencer. “If you have any additional questions after seeing the other two locations, please let me know.”
“Thank you, Dr. Phillips.” Spencer stands and shakes his hand. “I’ll be in touch.”
Dr. Phillips nods, and then it’s just the two of us.
“Small world, huh?” Spencer asks.
“I don’t suppose I could talk you out of this deal?” I ask him.
He chuckles. “It’s a good business move for me. Why would I do that?”
“This can’t be happening,” I mutter under my breath. Pushing back from the table, I stand and move toward the door. “If you’re hungry, follow me.”
“Is that any way to treat your new boss?” Spencer asks. His long legs close the distance between us. He doesn’t stop until he’s toe to toe with me.