Appointment #2
1030 Words
Chapter 5
Appointment #2
(Axel’s POV)
I had been counting down the hours until I would see Maya again.
I had never spent so much time picking out an outfit – especially for a doctor’s appointment.
Not for any date, press conference or interviews. But this was different, this was for her. Maya Sinclair hadn’t left my mind since that first appointment, and I would use any and every excuse for a chance to meet her again.
I had chosen a fitted athletic tee and shorts. I looked casual, but I knew my muscles were on full display.
“You’re going to the hospital, not a date.” Chase said with a mouth full of cereal, as I walked into the kitchen and grabbed a protein bar.
“It’s a follow-up appointment.” I told my friend and then smacked the back of his head.
Porter whistled at me as I made my way through the living room. “Where are we off to? And is the girl hot?”
I smirked at him. “She’s not a girl. And you’re not going with me.”
“Are you sure? If she’s not a girl, you might need back up.” Chase said walking out of the kitchen and dropping down onto the couch beside Porter, cereal still in hand.
“Which not- a- girl is it? Is it that Assistant professor? Because I’m sure Declan already got her. But if she’s hotter than the professor, I could try my luck, I am a year older than you.” Porter chuckled.
I ignored his comment, even though I wanted to punch my best friends for saying anything negative about Maya. But I didn’t want him knowing how serious this was for me, so I threw him a middle finger and walked out the door.
Their laughter followed me out the door. I didn’t need to explain anything to them. They could wonder all they wanted but I was the one who was going to come out of this with the woman of my dreams.
- - - - - - -
I felt anxious as I walked into the hospital.
Maya Sinclair was in this building. I would finally get to see her again. It hadn’t been long since my last appointment, but it felt like an eternity. But it would be worth it to see her beautiful face again.
I took the elevator to the third floor and checked in with the receptionist, forcing myself to act casual while my nerves buzzed under my skin. She was somewhere on this floor.
"Mr. Hendrikson?"
I turned, and there she was.
Maya Sinclair.
Her hair clipped half up, with bits falling around her face. She had on a red dress under her white lab coat. Her eyes met mine, and something seemed different than last time. She seemed different.
"Good to see you again," she said.
"Highlight of my week, Doc."
She didn’t smile, but her eyes narrowed just a little, amused. "Come in."
I followed her into the treatment room and sat on the table. The paper crinkled under me as I adjusted, deliberately stretching my leg out. I watched her glance down, eyes lingering briefly on the muscle before she looked away.
"Any pain this week?"
"Not really. Some tightness when I jogged yesterday."
"You weren’t supposed to be jogging."
"You didn’t say not to," I said, flashing a grin.
Her lips twitched. Almost a smile.
She crouched beside me and examined the joint. Her hands were warm and steady. I tried not to flinch at the contact. I wanted her to keep touching me forever.
"You’re healing faster than expected," she said.
I pulled out a folded document from my bag and handed it to her. "Thought you might want to see this. I put together a revised training plan, based on your advice. Would love your opinion."
She raised her brows, clearly surprised, and took it.
"Well, this is... thorough."
I watched her as she read. Her eyes scanned each section carefully. She bit her lower lip at one point. I locked that image in my mind.
"This seems well planned out," she murmured.
"I only learned from the best."
Her eyes flicked to mine briefly, and for a second, the silence between us thickened.
"Do you—" I hesitated, then regrouped. "Want to grab a coffee? There’s a decent place downstairs. Ten minutes, tops. We can go over the plan in more detail."
She straightened and set the paper on the counter. "I don’t like bitter drinks."
I raised a brow. "Then something sweet. Tea? Pastries? I’m flexible."
"I have other patients waiting," she replied, her tone even.
"Of course," I said, standing slowly. "Another time."
I watched her nod. Professional, polite. But she didn’t say no.
As I walked toward the door, I glanced back once.
"Thanks for today."
"Take care, Mr. Hendrikson."
Outside the room, I pulled out my phone and opened the note I’d started after our last appointment.
‘Doesn’t like coffee. Prefers sweet things. Bit her lip while reading. Probably doesn’t even realize.’
Saved.
My phone buzzed as I walked to my car.
Jessica.
This woman couldn’t quit bothering me.
I sighed and reluctantly picked up the call.
"What?"
"Darling, I’m making dinner. Why don’t you come over tonight?" Jessica asked.
"I’m busy."
"Axel—"
“I couldn’t have been clearer about what I want from you. Nothing. You need to stay away from me and stop calling me.
“Axel you’re my son.”
“On paper, Jessica. You didn’t raise me, you use me for money, for my father’s money. I have no other relationship with you, and I don’t want to. I rather pay you to stay away from me.
Click.
I tossed my phone on the passenger seat and leaned back in the driver’s chair and closed my eyes.
My thoughts drifted back to Maya. She was gorgeous, and smart. I wanted to know everything about her, and I couldn’t wait to convince her to give me a chance.
My next appointment was in a week.
I closed my eyes.
Too long.
Way too long.
- Writer
