Role Reversal

Chapter 17

Jacob spotted Zoe approaching his office as he glanced up. He tried to look busy in the hope she wouldn't disturb him - he knew it would only be a matter of time before she brought up a certain nurse.

Zoe walked straight in without knocking.
"Jacob, how are you?"
Jacob smiled. "I'm good"
His answer was for once, honest. It had been a while since he could answer that question genuinely, usually a fake smile would accompany the lie 'I'm good', when in fact, he was the opposite.
"I just wanted to check how you were doing, after yesterday. I also want to apologise if I was out of order for confronting you about everything, I just wanted to help"
Jacob gave her a reassuring look. "Honestly Zoe, it's me who needs to apologise. I'm glad you knocked some sense into me yesterday, I just wish I had listened to you sooner. Thank you, for always sticking by me"
"Well it has only taken you four years"
They both laughed, it was almost like old times. Zoe smiled, so pleased to see even a hint of Jacob's former self.
"So Mr Masters, did you also happen to listen to my advice about apologising to the lovely nurse Beauchamp?" She raised her eyebrows at him.
"Well, I apologised to her"
"And..."
"She accepted my apology. I explained why I reacted the way I did..."
"But?"
Jacob rolled his eyes at her. "How did you know there's a but?"
Zoe just smirked. "I just know. Did you tell her how you feel?"
Jacob sighed. "Erm yes, I think. Maybe? I don't know"
"Did you kiss her??"
Jacob shook his head. "I couldn't do it, I backed out. Got too scared"
Zoe put her hand on her hip. "Seriously? Jacob Masters. Get out there now and tell her how you feel, before it's too late"
"What if she doesn't feel the same way?"
"What's the worst that can happen?"

---

"Nurse Beauchamp, could you check on those bloods for me?"
"I'm sure I can, boss... Er I mean, yes, Mr Masters" Connie looked away and left the cubicle. Around Jacob, she now tried to be more professional and respect him as clinical lead. After learning about Jacob's past yesterday and how her comments had affected him, it was the least she could do to make it up to him.

Jacob just smiled. He hated to admit, but he had missed her playful comments.

"What are you waiting for?"
He looked at the patient in front of him in confusion.
"Excuse me?"
"That lovely nurse. Are you going to hurry up and ask her out?"
Jacob opened his mouth in shock. If it wasn't Zoe nagging at him, it was now some woman he had never met.
He didn't know how to reply so continued to examine the patients arm.
"You could cut the sexual tension between you two with a knife"
The woman was right. Every bit of eye contact with Connie made Jacob's insides turn. Every accidental touch made his skin tingle.

He coughed nervously as Connie opened the cubicle curtain and returned with the blood results.

---

You wanted to see me Mr Masters?"
"Yes. Come in"

Connie nervously stepped into his office and closed the door behind her. She was unsure why he wanted to speak to her, she thought they had worked well together today and she had tried to remain professional at all times.

She watched, as Jacob stood up slowly from his desk.
Butterflies filled her insides with each step he took closer to her.
His eyes didn't lose contact with hers.

Jacob stopped walking, only when he was so close, their bodies almost touching.

"Why did you want to see me?" Connie's breathing was rapid and she tried to compose herself.

Jacob lifted his hand and placed it gently on her cheek.
"There's something I should have done last night..."