-Adam-

Ben stormed into his hotel room, slammed the door shut, and muttered, "Damn you, Shelley! If you think rushing off to that town will keep me from getting close to you, then you have another thing coming. You are not going to get away from me that easily."

-Back at the capital. (Shelley)-

"Hey Shelley, got any good stories from your Christmas break that you think I'd enjoy hearing?" I looked up at Dr. Blackson as I straightened myself from the book before me. "I beg your pardon."

"It's a harmless question, is it not? I only wish to know how your holiday went, he stated."

"Fine. Yours?"

He slumped back into his chair, exhaling in annoyance, and said, "Not so good."

Without even looking up from the book in front of me, I asked, "'Are you up for discussing it?'"

'Nope,' he responded.

"Then neither do I."

There was a pause before he resumed the conversation. "You seem different since returning from Christmas break. I can't help but wonder if something happened."

"What do you mean by 'different'?" I asked, focusing my attention back on him.

He leans forward from behind his desk. 'You've been pretty quiet lately. It's not as if you were a chatty person, but you appear to be primarily lost in contemplation. Take the last time, for example. I was talking to you, but you were not paying attention. It felt like I was talking to a wall."

What is he talking about? I fixed my gaze on him, letting his words sink in as I considered their meaning.

Dr. Gideon Nii Blackson is one of the few clinicians I've had the pleasure of working with since I was assigned to this unit. He is not the type to strike up a discussion, so the unexpected fascination in my life has astonished me. I've always loved his attention to detail. Nothing escapes him. I don't want that kind of attention elsewhere in my life.

'Shelley!'

"Yes, doctor."

"Now isn't the time to wool-gather about whatever it is you have going."

"So sorry, you were saying."

"Never mind that. We should get back to work," he said.

As I shifted my focus back to the task at hand, the intricate details of my work began to blur, and my thoughts drifted irresistibly to Mr Adam.

It's been two weeks since I returned from my parent's place, and things haven't been the same. Falling asleep has been a nightmare for me because Mr. Adams occupies most of them. I constantly wake up from the most vivid dreams, hot, frustrated, and moist between my legs.

After the chemistry that developed between Adam and me and the way I responded to his every touch, our near kiss at the resort often resurfaces in my dreams. In these dreams, we took things a step further, with him kissing me while his arms were wrapped around me, sucking and tasting my tongue, leaving us both moaning and panting for breath. In my dreams, we engage in actions that are beyond my comprehension. If I am to survive, I must avoid him at all costs.

Today was an especially dull shift, and it's now over. I was about to approach the curbside taxi stand when I heard what sounded like a horn honking at me. I turned towards the sound and was waved over by Doctor Blackson. I noticed he was on the phone as I got closer to his vehicle. As I draw near, I inquire, "Do you need my help with something doctor?"

"Not really; I simply neglected to extend an invitation to you. You see, tomorrow is my birthday, and a few of my pals have planned a celebration for me at the Kata Lounge."

"Most of our coworkers will be there, and I was hoping you could participate as well. I think you'll be able to make it, given it's on the weekend. Would that be okay with you?" he asked with a raised brow, expecting my response. I agreed to be present, not wanting to disappoint. It wasn't like I had a choice.

"Excellent," he remarked, his smile revealing a hint of mischief. "There, we shall meet. Good day."

***

It's such a peaceful Saturday morning, and I feel like it's a good day to do some housework. Just as I was thinking that, my phone's alarm went off, indicating that I had received a text message. I picked up my phone and read the message from Dr. Blackson.

Blackson: Good morning. I hope you are doing well. I'm just texting to remind you of this afternoon's party at Kata Lounge. It will commence around 1600 GMT. I hope to see you there.

Me: Noted. I'll be there. Is there a dress code I should know about?

Blackson: Nope, any decent dress will do.

Me: Okay, then See you.

"It seems like I will have more time to get things done around here after all. Let's start with tidying up, then move on to cleaning the toilet and bath, and finally consider doing the laundry. Once I finish these tasks, I will go to the salon to get my hair done."

-Adam POV-

"Do you think she'll show up?" asked the man standing at the corner, overseeing the setup of the space.

"Of course, she will. I personally invited her to this. She'll need a hell of an excuse not to attend. So will you unwind," Blackson replies.

"Please accept my apologies for talking you into organizing this birthday bash, Gideon. Finding a reason to see her again was my number one priority. This is the only approach I know to bring her out. I can tell that celebrating with your closest friends is more your style."

"You do not need to apologize to me for this; after all, it was long overdue because my wife had been urging me to prepare a big celebration for my birthday. So let's not talk about this again. I know I'm not fond of this, but I'm starting to see the beauty in it. Now that everything is arranged, let us get ready."

_

-Shelley -

At exactly 1600 GMT, I arrived at the venue. The place was packed with cars and people - it was crazy. I was surprised by the large gathering. I quickly adjusted my clothing in the reflection of a nearby parked car and double-checked my appearance one last time before heading to the entrance.

"I should have asked him just where in the lounge the party is being held," I said to myself.

As I strolled passed the lounge's entrance, I glanced around and noticed several of my colleagues deep in discussion. "Well, everyone, good evening," I greeted as I approached them. Is this Dr. Gideon Nii Blackson's birthday party?

"Yes, of course."

"Is there a specific location in the area where it is being held?"

"The event is taking place at the restaurant, which you will discover when you enter and take a turn." Says one of the ladies. "Much obliged." I made my way to the eatery.

-Adam-

"Just look who walked in, Ben." As he gestured toward the entrance of the restaurant, Blackson commented.

I looked over to the woman by the entryway. It was Shelley. She wore a red dress and cream wedge heels, and her hair was pulled back into a basic updo.

She scurries about as if trying to find a familiar face in the sea of people. With everyone there, it would be tough to find anyone she knew.

Shelley is a stunningly gorgeous woman with the kind of curvaceous figure that makes men gawk in admiration. When getting dressed for an occasion, she is fully aware of this and even makes use of it to a certain degree by choosing specific garments. She looks stunning in this crimson cowl neck midi slip satin dress. Without fail, she manages to turn heads even as she moves through the crowd. Something seems to be in her hand. With her stunning good looks, how can I be able to avoid her?

"Here," Blackson whispers as he hands me a handkerchief. "Hey, you could have something here." Directing the finger towards the corner of his mouth. "Clean that will you," he instructed. As I clamp down on the handkerchief, my brow furrows in rage. "Will you fuck off?" I demanded.

I threw the napkin back to Gideon, who started giggling uncontrollably. Furrowing my brow at my companion, I chose to redirect my focus towards her once more. I wanted to go to her but I knew better than to approach her and make myself known, despite my obvious need to do so. Just her seeing me will make her run for the door.

-Shelley POV-

As I navigated through the bustling crowd, my mind buzzed with curiosity. The air was electric with excitement, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something extraordinary was about to unfold. Determined to find the birthday boy in the sea of people, I discreetly made my way through the throng, whispering politely, "Excuse me," as I went. Suddenly, just as I was about to continue my search, a voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Shelley! You came. We are delighted to see you. To be honest, I had no idea Gideon invited you to this celebration." Enveloping me in an embrace, the woman whispers these words.

"And a warm greeting to you as well, Margaret. Years have passed. "How are you and the kids doing?" I asked.

"We are thriving. My sincere appreciation for your inquiry."

Mrs. Margaret Ama Blackson is an extraordinary individual. As the wife of Dr. Gideon Blackson and a loving mother of two, she exudes grace and strength. Our paths first crossed years ago when she brought her ailing child to the hospital, and we instantly connected. I vividly remember how she was feeling anxious all day, and since her husband was also tied up, I stepped in to offer her support. Since then, our bond has only grown stronger.

"So tell me," she adds, hocking her arms with mine. "I was wondering if my husband has been giving you an unreasonable amount of labor. If he has, please pardon him. It appears that that man is unable to unwind."

With a broad grin on my face, I tell her. There is no need for her to be concerned; "I will take care of everything. By the way, where is your husband? I've got a gift for him."

"By the bar, I think I caught a glimpse of him and his pals;" my gaze followed hers in the direction she was pointing, and I stood motionless as I beheld his companions.

"Tell me Margaret, who is that man next to your husband, and what is his relationship with him?"

"My goodness! I take it you're referring to Mr. Benjamin Adam McLean. His friendship with my husband extends to a close circle. From what I can tell, they were both at Harvard University. He majored in law while my husband was in medical school."

"Why do you ask?" Says Margaret. "Do you happen to develop an interest in him?"

"Margaret! Ow, God no," I replied. "I was just simply curious."

"There is nothing wrong if you are interested in him. Hell! Most of the girls here are. Would you like me to? Introduce you two?", She asked.

"Actually, I just saw a coworker I need to pass a message to, so there's no need to do that. Rest assured, we will have the opportunity to chat later. I must depart." I murmured this as I quietly exited the room.

Once at the exit, I dropped the gift bag on the gift table as I made my way outside.

"Already on your way out?" a voice behind me stated. Damn it! I suppose I was naive in thinking I could leave this party without having to talk to him.

"Good evening to you, Mr. Adams." I turn to face him, putting on a phony smile as he glares at me. "How've you been?" He asked.

'Good.' I replied. There was an unpleasant silence between us. Breaking the pause, he asked, "Are you really not going to ask how I've been?"

"You're OK, right?" I replied. The fury in his eyes is visible, yet he manages to suppress it.

He asks, "Am I so terrible to be friends with that you had to run away from your parents' house without saying goodbye? Does my proximity to you bother you so much?" His voice betrayed his grief and fury, and I felt terrible about treating him that way.

"I did not run"; the words flowed out of my mouth before I could stop them. "I merely wanted to leave earlier to get here, so I prepared for work the next day."

"That's a bull lie, and you know it," he retorted.

Yes, it is, but that was the only explanation I could come up with. He does not need to know the entire truth.

"You are not an awful man," I said, "just difficult to reason with." Sighing, I continued, "I know it was rude of me not to have said goodbye, but I had to get away from you. The truth is, the thought that something almost transpired between us that night scared me to the core. Perhaps I did not take the ideal course of action, but I did what was necessary, alright? I did not need your permission to do that."

"No, you did not, but you could have shown me some decency. I sincerely apologize for my actions. I made a mistake by trying to kiss you. I guarantee it won't happen again."

"Like hell, it won't." We are both aware of the attraction that exists between us. It will require much more than just words to make it happen, Mr Adam.

What the heck am I saying? Of course, I cannot guarantee that. Her very presence is enough to push me over the edge. It makes me want to bring her close and do things to her Things like kissing her. Sighing, he thought. She cannot be aware of this. For the time being, I'll have to make do with seeing her in my dreams. The sheer thought of it makes me uncomfortable elsewhere and now is not the place or time to think about it.

"Look Shelley, I think it would be best if we just moved on from this whole thing. It will not be easy, but we owe it to ourselves to give it our best shot. Don't you?"

"Ben, I know that we can't just be friends. You were upfront about this from the start. Why don't you just leave me be and return to your own life? I don't need you in my life," I pointed out.

"Apologies, but that's just not possible," Ben replied.

"Why not?"

"Why?! Because I simply cannot bear to be apart from you. This is why you shouldn't exacerbate the problem. Besides, what are you afraid of? It's not like you'll make yourself fall in love with me. So why not add me as a friend? I promise to be the perfect gentleman." I cannot help but notice a challenge in his gaze.

Walking up to him, I looked him straight in the eye and made it clear that I don't engage in games or deceitful behavior. Without hesitation, he responded, "Me neither."