The CEO’s stand-in girlfriend

All doped up

*Ashley*

As Lucas grumbles his way to the car, I can’t help but roll my eyes, a small smile creeping onto my face. It’s almost adorable how he thinks he can get out of this. “You know, you’re not the first guy to complain about going to the dentist,” I tease, watching as he dramatically flops into the passenger seat, arms crossed over his chest like a sulking child.

“Yeah, well, I’m not just any guy,” he retorts, his tone half-hearted as he gazes out the window. “I have things to do. Important things.”

“Sure, because cracking a tooth is just one of those minor inconveniences,” I reply, starting the car. “Just think of it as an unexpected break. You might even come out of this experience with a better attitude.”

He snorts at that. “Right. Because being numbed up and drooling isn’t my idea of a good time.”

I stifle a laugh. He’s clearly in pain, but his grumbling is somehow endearing. As we drive through the city, I glance at him, and I can’t help but notice how cute he actually looks when he’s all pouty and stubborn. I shake my head, trying to focus on the road and not on the way my heart does a little flip at the sight of him.

When we arrive at the dentist’s office, he steps out of the car, almost stumbling over the unexpectedly high curb. I steady him with a hand on his arm. “Easy there, champ. Let’s not make this any more dramatic than it has to be.”

“Right, because I’m the one being dramatic,” he mutters, shooting me a look that’s more playful than annoyed. “I’m just trying to maintain some dignity here.”

“Dignity? You’re the one who cracked a tooth on a caramel candy,” I tease, giving him a gentle nudge. “Let’s get you fixed up so we can move on with our lives, shall we?”

He sighs, and I can tell he’s giving in. “Fine. But only if you promise to buy me ice cream afterward.”

“I can’t believe you’re using this as a negotiation tactic,” I say, chuckling. “But yes, ice cream it is.”

I wait in the lobby while he goes in for his appointment, glancing at the pile of magazines on the table. It’s only a few minutes before the dentist calls him in, and I settle into a chair, trying to distract myself with a gossip magazine.

It is almost an hour later when the door swings open, and Lucas emerges, looking a little dazed. His eyes are glassy, and there’s a goofy grin plastered across his face. Supporting him is a dental nurse who can’t help but giggle, clearly amused by whatever Lucas is saying.

“He just wouldn’t stop talking about his perfect girlfriend,” she confides to me, stifling another laugh. “Seems like he’s really fond of you.”

I can’t help but smile, thinking she must mean his ex and not me though. It’s not uncommon for people to get a little sentimental after dental work, and I’m not about to burst her bubble. “He is a darling, isn’t he?” I reply lightly.

“Yeah, he’s really sweet,” she says, glancing back at Lucas, who’s now leaning against the wall for support, still beaming like he just won the lottery. “You might want to keep an eye on him. He’s pretty out of it.”

“Will do,” I say, waving her off as she heads back inside. I walk over to Lucas, who’s now swaying slightly and looking at me like I’m the most fascinating person in the world.

“Hey, gorgeous,” he slurs, his smile wide and silly. “You’re like… the best nurse ever, you know that?”

“Oh, is that so?” I laugh, helping him straighten up. “I should add that to my résumé.”

“Definitely! And you should also add that you’re the most attractive woman I’ve ever met,” he continues, his words tumbling out in a rush. “I want to kiss every inch of you. Every. Single. Inch.”

I blink, my heart racing at his unexpected compliment. “You sure you’re not still a little loopy from the anesthesia?” I tease, trying to keep my voice light.

“Nope! Totally sober,” he insists, swaying again as I guide him toward the exit. “Well, except for the whole… tooth thing. But you’re really pretty. Like, really pretty.”

“Okay, Casanova, let’s get you home before you start serenading me,” I say, half-laughing, half-embarrassed.

Once we’re back in the car, he leans his head back against the seat, his eyes fluttering closed as we drive. I can’t help but steal glances at him, marveling at how different he is… almost carefree in his drug-induced state. Maybe I should start dragging him.

When we finally pull up to his apartment, I help him out of the car, and he stumbles a bit, catching himself on my arm. “You’re so strong,” he murmurs, looking up at me with those dazed eyes. “I really like that about you.”

“Okay, let’s not get too sappy here,” I say, trying to keep things light as I guide him inside. Once we’re in his bedroom, I help him sit on the edge of the bed. “You should get some rest.”

He grabs my hand, his grip surprisingly firm for someone who just had dental work. “No, wait… don’t go yet, maybe we could snuggle…” he says, his voice softening. “I really, really think you’re attractive, you know? Like, I could just…”

My heart is racing. “Lucas, I think you should sleep this off,” I say quickly, looking anywhere but at him.

But he presses on, his voice earnest. “Don’t tell Ashley,” he suddenly adds, and I blink in confusion. “She wouldn’t like me thinking that way about her.”

And just like that, he’s out, his head dropping onto the pillow as he falls into a deep sleep. I stand there for a moment, stunned, the warmth of his words lingering in the air.

I take a deep breath, reminding myself that he’s just loopy from the medication. It’s not fair to read too much into this. Lucas is still dealing with his past, and I’m not about to let myself get swept up in this moment.

But as I tuck him in, I can’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, there’s something more than what we’ve let ourselves explore. I leave the room quietly, a small smile playing on my lips as I close the door behind me, my mind racing with thoughts I never expected to entertain.