Emily sat curled up in the plush chair behind her father’s desk, a grin on her face and her journal open in front of her as she thought about the phone call with Jamal.
The whole thing sounded too much like a romance novel, but the reality of it made her stomach twist with excitement. This was real life, happening right in front of her, and she was going to document it and write a bestseller billionaire romance novel like her favorite author, Sonia Smith.
She scribbled furiously, her pen gliding over the paper in rapid strokes as she wrote down all she knew thus far.
Adam, a wealthy heir, disguises himself as a driver to uncover the truth about his childhood sweetheart, Benita...
She paused, tapping her pen against her lip as she looked at the names she had chosen for her characters, trying to decide if they were cute enough.
Would Jamal like the name?
What if this didn’t end up being a romance novel with a happy ending? She wondered, and then scowled at the thought.
"It better ends up as one," she muttered as she positioned to resume writing again.
Before she could add another line, she heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps and voices by the door.
Her heart lurched into her throat. Her father had warned her countless times about coming to hide in his office to write when she should be out spending time with her colleagues.
Without thinking, she grabbed her journal, shoved it under her shirt, and bolted for the restroom attached to the office.
Just as she shut the door behind her, she heard the door open followed by voices.
And then the distinct sound of lips having a meet and greet.
Oh God! They were at it again.
Emily scrunched up her face in horror, pressing her back against the cool tiles of the restroom. ’No. No, no, no.’
A soft giggle followed, and then—
"Office quickies always hits different."
Emily’s stomach twisted in mortification.
She flung the door open, her face contorted in disgust. "Oh my God, cut it out, you two. Please!"
She was not about to listen to her parents make out in an office.
Her parents, Jessica and Damon froze mid-embrace. Her mother was sitting on the edge of the desk with her arms were draped around her father’s shoulders, while his hands rested possessively on her waist.
Jessica turned her head and grinned unapologetically. "Oh, sweetheart, did we interrupt your little hideout?"
Emily crossed her arms, scowling. "Seriously, there are children in this hospital."
Damon chuckled, clearly amused. "This is my office. There are no kids in here."
Emily wrinkled her nose. "Worse. That makes it worse. You’re the boss here!"
Jessica threw her head back and laughed before stepping away from Damon, straightening her blouse. "What were you doing in here anyway?"
"I work here," Emily deadpanned. "What are you doing here?"
Jessica grinned. "My husband owns the hospital," she said, and Damon smirked as he gave her a high five.
Emily groaned in frustration as she flopped into the chair she’d been using earlier, folding her arms. "You know what? When I take over leadership, the first thing I’m doing is throwing out every piece of furniture in this office. You both are so gross."
Her parents both laughed. "Good luck with that. Maybe you should start with the chair you’re sitting on," her mother said, making her father laugh as she quickly got off the seat.
Damon leaned against his desk. "Since you’re here, sit down let’s talk. I wanted to send for you."
"You’re not about to tell me you’re expecting another child, are you?" Emily asked, eyeing them with suspicion even though she knew her father had undergone a vasectomy after the birth of the last girl four years ago.
"Very funny," Damon said dryly while Jessica laughed.
Jessica sighed. "Since the party pooper has cut short our romance, I should get going and leave you both to your thing."
Emily groaned loudly as Jessica leaned in and kissed Damon deeply before pulling away with a wink.
"You two are disgusting," Emily grumbled.
Jessica blew her a kiss. "Quit pretending. I saw your diary. I know you love us for it!"
"I can’t believe you’re my mom!" Emily said, unable to believe that she had looked at her diary.
"You don’t have to believe it," Jessica said with a laugh.
She gave Damon one last sizzling look before sauntering toward the door. "Make sure you eat the food I brought," she called over her shoulder before disappearing.
Damon watched her go, a lazy grin spreading across his face.
Emily waved her hand in front of him. "Shouldn’t you be too old to be ogling?"
Damon chuckled. "Shouldn’t you be too old to interfere in the business of married people?"
Emily smirked. "I get to interfere when those married people are my parents. And one of my favorite couple."
Damon shook his head, amused. "Alright, party pooper. Let’s talk work."
Emily straightened in her chair. "What’s up?"
"There’s a medical training program coming up in Husla, and I want you to attend."
Her eyes lit up with curiosity. "What kind of training?"
Damon leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "It’s an intensive residency program designed for promising young doctors. It covers advanced diagnostics, emergency response techniques, and patient management. Only a handful of residents are selected."
Emily’s brows shot up. "I heard some residents talking about it some days ago. How can I go for it when I didn’t even apply?"
Damon shrugged. "I pulled some strings. You’re going to be the director of this hospital and you need all the experience you can get."
Excitement bubbled in her chest. "Wow. When does it start?"
"Next Monday. You’ll need to leave this weekend. The program lasts six months."
Emily’s excitement screeched to a halt.
She gaped at her father. "Six months? Dad, that’s so long."
"Did you think you were going to learn all of that in a week or two? It’s an incredible opportunity, Em. Not many are lucky to have it," Damon said firmly. "You should seize it with both hands."
She hesitated. "Will they provide accommodation?"
"No," Damon admitted, then added, "You’ll be staying with Callan."
Emily’s heart skipped a beat.
She stared at him, waiting for him to say ’just kidding’.
Her stomach dropped. "You want me to stay with Callan?"
Damon nodded. "Yes. I already spoke with him. He doesn’t mind. The house is big enough for you two."
Emily scowled. "Well, I mind. That’s a terrible idea. I’ll stay in a hotel."
"No, you won’t." Her father’s tone was firm. "Callan already agreed and it’ll save you a fortune."
Emily huffed. "I don’t need to save a fortune. How can I stay there when we don’t even get along?" she protested.
Damon raised an eyebrow. "You will have to learn to get along with him. Besides you’re there for a training not to become best buddies. You’ll be comfortable and safe there. I’ll sleep better at night knowing Callan has an eye on you."
Emily clenched her jaw. "I’m an adult. I don’t need him keeping an eye on me."
Damon folded his arms. "You don’t have to need it. Plus I’m sure you won’t even notice his presence since he’s always busy. You’re not skipping this opportunity, Emily."
Emily groaned, slumping back in her chair. "But Mari’s birthday is next weekend! We already made plans."
Damon’s expression softened. "Mari will have plenty of birthdays to celebrate with you. But opportunities don’t come by often." He leaned forward. "As your father, I advise you to take it."
Emily sighed, rubbing her temples.
Missing Mari’s birthday.
But even as she scowled, she knew her father was right. It wasn’t an opportunity that came by often.
With a deep sigh, she slumped in her seat. "Fine. I’ll think about it."
Damon smiled. "I know you will. Good girl."
Emily groaned. "Don’t good girl me. I hate you right now."
Damon chuckled. "You’ll thank me later."
Emily muttered under her breath, already dreading the conversation she’d have to have with Mari.
It was going to be hell living under the same roof with Callan. She wasn’t looking forward to it.