December 28 2020
AJ stood at the nurses' station with a patient file in hand, her voice low and precise as she walked Gabriel through the plan.
AJ -Her neuro exam shows early signs of deterioration. We need to order another CT and—
But Gabriel wasn't hearing a word. His eyes weren't on the chart. They weren't on the scans. They were fixed on her lips as she spoke, soft and careful, her tone that steady blend of authority and warmth that made him fall in deeper every single day.
His chest felt tight. His heart was pounding. And then—before his brain could catch up with the fire in his veins—he leaned forward and kissed her.
For one breathless second, everything froze.
AJ's eyes widened, the file slipping slightly in her hands. She didn't kiss him back—she didn't even move. Shock rooted her in place.
And that's when the elevator doors slid open.
Dave.
He was holding a paper bag, the warm scent of empanadas drifting from it, a tired smile on his face as he spotted his wife. The smile died instantly when he saw Gabriel. Saw the kiss. Saw AJ's frozen expression.
The paper bag crumpled in his fist as rage surged through him.
Dave - WHAT the hell—
Dave was across the space in two strides, his hand fisting the front of Gabriel's scrubs.
Dave - You think you can just put your hands on my wife?
AJ - Dave—!
AJ finally snapped out of her shock, grabbing his arm.
AJ - Stop!
Gabriel stumbled back, stammering, face burning with horror.
Gabriel- I—I'm sorry, I didn't mean—I wasn't thinking—
Dave - You weren't *thinking*?
Dave barked, his voice like thunder. His fist tightened, and for one terrifying second it looked like he might actually swing.
Dave - She's married. She's your *boss*. And you—
AJ - Dave!
AJ's voice cut sharp, commanding. The same tone she used in an OR when lives were on the line. He froze, jaw clenched, chest heaving.
AJ stepped between them, eyes blazing now—not with desire, not with softness, but with fury.
AJ - Luiz. Go. Now.
Gabriel's throat bobbed as he swallowed, shame flooding him. He glanced at AJ—her lips pressed into a hard line, her eyes unreadable. Then at Dave, who looked ready to tear him apart.
He backed away slowly, voice breaking.
Gabriel - I'm... sorry.
Then he turned and fled down the hall.
The silence left behind was deafening. Dave's hands were still trembling, his jaw tight.
Dave - AJ—he kissed you—
Aj - I know
AJ said, voice lower now, steadier, though her heart was still racing.
Aj - And I was too stunned to react. But nothing happened. You know that.
Dave looked at her, his anger warring with the trust in his eyes. Finally, he exhaled roughly, setting the crumpled bag on the counter.
Dave - He's lucky you stopped me
he muttered darkly.
AJ rubbed her temple, exhaustion seeping in.
AJ - Yeah. He is.
But deep inside, she knew this wasn't over. Gabriel had crossed a line. And now she had to decide what came next.
