Slade gave her a small encouraging smile before looking at the screen. Then he hesitated, a funny expression crossing his face. He cleared his throat, his eyes on the screen. “What does a flashing yellow light indicate?”
Jill’s eyes shot to his in disbelief. They then slammed back to the computer screen. Heat that had nothing to do with embarrassment flushed her body. She looked back at Slade and the heat in his eyes melted her to the chair. “Slow down,” she said quickly, her voice shaking. “Next question.” She watched as he clicked something on the computer and a new, what she figured question, popped up. Holy shit, that did not just happen. Knowing her luck, it did just happen. Her stomach clenched painfully.
“Who has the right of way at a four-way stop?” Slade’s voice sounded deeper as he read the question and then gave the four possible answers.
Jill answered, watching his strong hand clicking the mouse.
On and on the questions came, as did other people taking the same test that was taking her forever to complete. Jill’s eyes kept closing as she listened to Slade’s voice. She was so tired. Even though she was part vampire, her human part needed rest and she hadn’t slept in…hell, she didn’t know when she slept last. She still had to go with Tessa to learn pole dancing. The thought made her want to vomit. Would her humiliation ever end?
Slade bumped her as he moved the mouse around, startling her since she was half asleep. “Okay, that’s it.”
“Did I pass?” Jill yawned and then stretched.
“We’ll find out.” He stood, taking the chair back where he found it, and then came back, grabbing her paper. Jill still sat in the chair, her eyes staring sleepily up at him. “You need to get some rest.”
“Tell me about it.” Jill yawned again as she stood. “Better yet, tell Sloan.”
Slade walked over, handing the paper to the woman. Jill leaned against the counter as the woman went to a computer, typing in stuff. After a few minutes, she walked to a printer.
“Congratulations.” She handed Jill more papers. “Take this down the hall to get your temps. You have about a half an hour before they close.”
“I passed?” That woke her up. She took the papers, looking at them, then up to Slade who was staring down at her with a pleased smile. “I passed!” Jill jumped, hugging Slade, not caring that she was still mad at him. She had passed.
“I knew you would.” Slade hugged her tightly against him.
Jill backed away, instantly missing his touch. “Thank you,” she said, telling herself she could be mad at him again in a few minutes. At that moment, she appreciated what he had done to help her. How he went about helping her study…well it was fucking awesome, but yeah, she was still pissed about the way it ended.
“You’re welcome.” His knowing eyes searched her face, looking like he wanted to say more, but didn’t. “Come on, before they close.”
Jill nodded then walked toward Adam. “I passed!” She couldn’t keep the excitement from her voice as she shook the paper at him.
“Oh, shit,” Adam teased, looking horrified. “We need to warn everyone in the Cincinnati area.”
Jill punched him in the stomach, but couldn’t wipe the grin off her face to give him an evil glare. “Shut up.”
“Just kidding, Jill.” Adam grabbed her up in a brotherly hug. “I knew you could do it, but you’re still not driving my car until you have driving lessons.”
Rolling her eyes, Jill headed down the hallway and into an almost empty room. Standing in line, she waited to be called. Adam had gone on out to his car while Slade stood with her. She noticed all the women sneaking looks at Slade. Jealously nipped at her, but then again, she couldn’t blame them. He was one hell of a handsome man. She also couldn’t blame them for looking at her as if wondering why a man like him was with someone like her.
As nonchalantly as she could, she glanced at Slade. If she really wanted to be honest with herself, she had to wonder the same thing. Why would he want to be with someone like her? He was a doctor, while she couldn’t read. He was gorgeous and she was just…meh. Her mind swarmed a million miles an hour. Some of her happiness at passing her test evaporated into thin air. Had that stupid bitch, Alice, been right? Was she making a fool of herself over Slade? Was what they shared a…pity fuck? Ah, damn, there was nothing worse than a pity fuck, no matter how amazing it was.
“Hey.” Slade was watching her closely. “You’re up.”
Jill’s eyes were unfocused as she looked at him, her mind going over everything that had been happening between them. How many times had she heard him tell others that there was and never would be anything between them?