Free Pursuit For Lucidity (Crashing Waves) by Marie Jem

that?
    “Yes, this is Claire, ever yone.  Claire Morgan is my new Administrative Assistant.  You will be receiving many emails from her on my behalf,” Walter clarified.
    “Hello there, Claire, I’m Taryn.  Taryn Simmonds.  I am the Director of the Recovery Unit.  I work closely with the surgeons.” She extended her hand and we shook hands.  She was being so nice, but there was something about her that I could not put my finger on that I did not like.  Her personality seemed a bit artificial.
    “Hi Taryn, nice to meet you,” I said as nicely as I could without revealing my dislike.
    Alex made his way over to me, “Miss Morgan, how nice to meet you. I’m Dr. Alex Blake.  Hope to see more of you soon,” he said as he shook my hand.
    I just grinned at him and said, “Hello Dr. Blake.  It’s very nice to meet you,” I replied.
    “ I guess I will see you around,” he said through a sexy smile as he turned around and left the conference room.  I tried to read Taryn’s face.  She did not look happy at all with what had just occurred.  I wondered if she had a crush on Alex.  Well, who wouldn’t?  He was so handsome that she would have to be visually impaired not to see it.
    I cleaned up the conference room with Laura’s help, put the leftover food in the kitchen for everyone to eat, and finally made it to my desk , so I could start documenting the notes I took from the meeting.  I was interrupted by another text from Alex.
     
    I will be in the OR the rest of the day.  Just wanted to say you looked amazingly hot in that meeting.
     
    Thank you, Alex.  You looked hot yourself.  I’m sure Taryn Simmonds thought so as well.  Good luck in the OR.
     
    I already told you, she’s too blond, too orange, and too blue for me.  Got it? Good.  Miss you already. I will call you tonight.
     
    I laughed to myself.  I really loved the way Alex described Taryn.  It made me feel more secure and I was able to continue my work without my mind on her.  A few hours later, Laura asked if I was craving falafel.  I was starving, so I took her offer and we went to lunch together.  I wanted to bring up Taryn Simmonds just to see what Laura had to say about her.
    “ Oh, God, Taryn Simmonds,” Laura began, “I knew you would find her a bit slutty.  She’s all over the surgeons.  Was she sitting totally close to anyone in today’s meeting?” she asked.
    “ Yes!” I answered, “She was sitting almost glued to Dr. Blake as if she wanted to undress him, or wanted him to undress her.”
    “ That’s Taryn, all right.  Watch out for her, Claire.  She has evil tendencies.  I’m only sharing this with you because I really like you and I think you’re a bit naïve.  Taryn Simmonds is a dirty player and she always gets what she wants, even if she has to sleep her way there,” Laura advised.
    I was shocked.  Would she try to sleep with Alex if she needed something from him?  I suddenly lost my appetite and pretended to enjoy the remainder of my lunch. I had nothing to fear because Alex had made it very clear to me that he did not find women like her attractive.  Lunch was soon over and we had to head back.  The rest of the day was a breeze and I thanked God when five o’clock came around.
     
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    That night, I soaked in a hot bath with scented candles lit all around me.  I was mentally drained from the day and very glad it was over.  Alex called while I was in the tub, “Hey gorgeous, I’m just leaving work now.  What a day it was in the OR. I’m really exhausted.  What are you up to?” he asked.
    “ I’m just taking a bubble bath because I’m completely exhausted as well,” I replied. He was silent for a moment.
    “ You mean you’re in the bathtub, naked, and covered in bubbles? Claire, don’t tease me, please.  I’m just not that strong,” he said.
    “ Did I leave out the candles I’m surrounded by?” I asked.
    “ Okay, that’s it.  I’m driving straight to your