Ava's body trembled, already wet down there, while Benjamin felt like he was about to lose it. He knew if this kept up, he wouldn't be able to resist.
"I'm going to the bathroom!" Benjamin let go of Ava, jumped out of bed, and took a cold shower. It took a while for him to calm down.
After the shower, he grabbed a few cold beers from the fridge and chugged them. His mind was a mess, thinking about meeting Ava for the first time and seeing her naked, and then thinking about his dad. It was tearing him apart.
He never saw himself as a saint, but he wasn't shameless either. Ava was his dad's wife, and he couldn't and wouldn't go there. He even regretted coming to stay.
Even though he'd only known Ava for a few days, he found himself thinking about her a lot. He didn't know if it was love, but he figured if things kept going this way, his feelings for her would turn into love.
After finishing the beers, Benjamin crashed on the living room sofa, his mind racing until he fell asleep. Ava slept peacefully in his room, even without him there. Just knowing it was his bed made her less scared of the thunder outside.
The night passed without any drama. But when Benjamin went back to the room to grab his clothes, he saw something he shouldn't have. Ava's sleeping position was pretty bold. In the morning light, he saw her slender thighs and a peek of her underwear.
He even caught a glimpse of her breast through the neckline, but he didn't stick around. After a quick look, he grabbed his clothes and bolted.
Benjamin threw on the suit Ava helped him pick out yesterday, tied his tie, swapped his shoes, and bam-instant heartthrob.
He whipped up breakfast himself. By the time Ava rolled out of bed, breakfast was ready. Once they were both set, they dug in together.
"Benjamin, you've got that hospital interview later. Play nice. The head of gynecology's got a bit of a temper. If she says something off, just roll with it. Get through the interview first, and if it's unbearable later, you can always switch departments."
Ava knew Benjamin's personality and that the head of gynecology was a no-nonsense lady who didn't sugarcoat anything. She was tough on everyone but had a soft spot for Ava.
"As long as she doesn't start something, I won't either," Benjamin said, munching away. He was pretty chill, but if someone pushed his buttons, he'd push back harder.
Ava couldn't help but laugh and sigh, "Just suck it up! She's a woman, and as a guy, you should be more patient!"
Benjamin nodded, "Alright, for my stepmom's sake, I'll be patient. But if she crosses the line, I'm not backing down."
"She's not gonna eat you. How bad could it be?" Ava shot him a stern look.
After breakfast, they hopped on a bus to Oasis Medical Center. Ava personally walked Benjamin to the head of gynecology's office. With over twenty minutes before work, Evelyn hadn't shown up yet. Ava had other stuff to handle, so after giving Benjamin a few pointers, she took off.
Benjamin pulled out his phone and got lost in a novel. Suddenly, the click- clack of high heels snapped him out of it. He looked up to see a stunning woman in her forties striding towards him. She had a killer figure and a face that defied age.
Evelyn didn't know Benjamin, and vice versa, so their initial eye contact was brief. But Evelyn was momentarily taken aback by Benjamin's good looks.
When Evelyn stepped into the office, Benjamin stood up, knocked on the door, and asked, "Hey, are you Mrs. Thompson from gynecology?"
Ava had only given Benjamin a quick rundown on Evelyn, so he wasn't sure if this was her.
Evelyn looked up, a bit surprised. Could this hottie be the friend Ava mentioned?
"Hi, I'm Evelyn. And you are?" Evelyn couldn't confirm if this was Benjamin.
Benjamin grinned, nodded, and introduced himself, "Hey, Mrs. Thompson. I'm Benjamin, here for the interview today!"
Evelyn's eyes sparkled with surprise as she reached out to shake his hand. "Nice to meet you, Benjamin. Didn't expect you to be so handsome. Take a seat. I'll interview you personally. Hope you do well. Our hospital might not be Crystalhaven, but the perks here are solid. If you stick around, you won't regret it!"
Benjamin smiled and sat down. After Evelyn stashed her bag, changed into her work clothes, and got back to her desk, she asked, "Benjamin, where'd you study medicine?"
Benjamin replied, "I studied at Celestoria, learning both traditional and Western medicine."
Evelyn wasn't too shocked; lots of young docs were coming back from studying abroad at Crystalhaven.
She then fired off a bunch of professional questions about gynecology. Benjamin not only nailed the Western medicine stuff but also threw in some traditional medicine insights, which really impressed Evelyn. She kept nodding.
After several rounds of Q&A, Evelyn found Benjamin's answers pretty unique. After an hour-long grilling, Benjamin nailed it.
"Benjamin, your overseas education gives you a different edge compared to our current methods here. Our gynecology department could really use someone with your broad knowledge. If you're up for it, report here tomorrow morning at eight!" Evelyn offered Benjamin the job.
"Thanks a ton!" Benjamin didn't think he'd get the job so fast. Flashing a confident grin, he said, "Thanks, Mrs. Thompson. I promise you won't regret it!"
For Benjamin, becoming a gynecologist was a piece of cake. He knew his skills inside out. His mentor was a whiz in both Chinese and Western medicine, even better than those big-shot professors. Naturally, his students were top-notch too.
Evelyn smiled and gave Benjamin a friendly pat on the shoulder. "You work hard, Ava. I really like you. After you two, as a couple, work here for a bit, the hospital will set you up with a house. Alright, see you tomorrow!"
A couple? Benjamin was taken aback for a second before realizing Evelyn must've thought he was Ava's boyfriend. But didn't Ava clear that up?
"Mrs. Thompson, I'll head out now. I know you're busy!"
As he left, Benjamin kept thinking about that word, 'couple'? It seemed like Ava didn't want people to know about their real relationship. Probably better this way to avoid gossip.
"Benjamin!" Someone called out his name, and when he turned around, it was Emma.
Emma was the head of cardiology at the hospital. She had some patients with gynecological issues and came to consult the head of gynecology, but bumped into Benjamin instead.
"It's really you, Benjamin. What are you doing here?" Emma walked over, curious. She looked stunning in her outfit. Benjamin grinned, "Aunt Emma, you look amazing. I almost didn't recognize you!"
He wasn't lying. Even though Emma was in her forties, she took great care of herself. Office jobs seemed to slow down aging, and with her curvy figure, she had that mature woman charm.
Sophia definitely got her good genes, with a killer figure too. Emma couldn't stop smiling, "You little charmer, always flattering people. I'm too old for 'beautiful.' Anyway, why are you here?"
Benjamin shrugged, "Lots of pretty ladies at the hospital, so I came to check it out!"
"You rascal, be serious. Aunt Emma doesn't have time for jokes!" Emma scolded him.
Benjamin stopped joking and told her about his new job, which really surprised her.
She nodded, "Well, you're following in your dad's footsteps! Work hard and make him proud."
"Aunt Emma, I will."