The Stalker Between US

Chapter 11

Ethan POV

The morning after my late-night visit to Rosie’s Diner, I found myself thinking about Julia far more than was prudent for a hospital CEO. I tried to push her from my mind as I reviewed a stack of reports and signed off on budgets, but her calm professionalism and candid answers from the interview kept resurfacing. By mid-morning, curiosity got the better of me. I decided to check in with Ms. Hernandez, our nurse manager, under the guise of a routine staffing update.

I caught her between meetings, clipboard in hand and a phone pressed to her ear. When she hung up, I greeted her with a smile. “How’s the hiring process going for the pediatric unit?” I asked, careful to sound casual. She launched into a summary of the applicant pool, talking through a few promising candidates. I listened politely, waiting for her to mention Julia’s name. When she did, it was with a note of admiration. “Julia Reyes really stood out. Eight years in maternal-child, strong references—she’s exactly what we need.” I nodded, trying to mask my relief and quiet excitement.

“Is she officially coming on board?” I pressed, making sure my interest seemed purely professional. Ms. Hernandez grinned, clearly picking up on my enthusiasm. “We’re finalizing paperwork today. She’ll get her offer letter this afternoon.” That was all I needed to hear. I thanked her and made my way back to my office, feeling a strange sense of anticipation. It was as if a door had opened, and I was eager to step through it.

I sat at my desk, Julia’s phone number still saved from her application. I hesitated for a moment, wondering if this was appropriate. But the memory of our easy conversation at the diner, her genuine laugh, and the spark of connection we’d shared pushed me forward. I composed a text, careful to keep it light and respectful: “Hi Julia, it’s Ethan Carter from the hospital. I enjoyed our conversations yesterday—both at work and at Rosie’s. Would you like to grab dinner with me this weekend?”

The message sat unsent for a few seconds as I reread it, making sure it struck the right balance. I didn’t want to put her in an awkward position, given our professional context. But I also didn’t want her to think I was interested only as her boss. Finally, I hit send, feeling an odd flutter of nerves I hadn’t experienced in years. I put my phone face down on the desk, determined to focus on work until I heard back.

An hour passed. Then two. I checked my phone more often than I care to admit, telling myself it was for important emails. When her reply finally came, I felt my chest tighten a little. “Hi Mr. Carter. Thank you for the invitation. I’m flattered, but I’m not sure it’s a good idea, given the new job. Wouldn’t it be… complicated?” Her hesitation was clear, and I respected it. Still, I sensed she hadn’t said a firm no.

I took a moment before responding, choosing my words carefully. “I understand, Julia. If you’re uncomfortable, I completely respect that. But I’d like to get to know you outside of work, as two people—not as CEO and nurse. If you change your mind, the offer stands. No pressure at all.” I sent the message and tried to let it go.

It was late afternoon when she replied again. “I appreciate your honesty. I just… I’ve worked hard to get here, and I don’t want to risk anything. But maybe dinner wouldn’t hurt, as long as it’s casual.” There it was—a reluctant agreement, but an agreement all the same. I smiled, a mix of relief and anticipation filling me. I promised it would be casual, nothing more.

Afterward, I couldn’t help but replay our interactions in my mind. Julia was cautious, careful with her boundaries, and I admired that. I knew I’d have to tread lightly, to make sure she always felt respected and in control. As much as I was drawn to her, I didn’t want to jeopardize her new role or the trust she’d worked so hard to earn.

I sent her one final text for the day: “Thank you, Julia. I’ll pick a place where we can just be ourselves. Looking forward to it.” As I put my phone away, I realized how much I was looking forward to dinner—not as a CEO, but as a man genuinely interested in a remarkable woman who had already managed to change the shape of my days.