Dirty Dix (Hard Love Romance #1) by Monica James Read Free Book Online Page B

my forwardness, as neither of us are one for small talk. “Dixon, I’m calling because I would like to extend a formal invitation for you to attend our annual Gerald Harriet’s Fellowship Award night, which will be held later in the year.”
    I take a moment to process what he just said, as this is big. I’ve been trying to get an invite to this prestigious ceremony for years, but I’ve always missed out.
    Without further delay, I reply, “Chad, I would be absolutely honored. Thank you.” And I mean every word.
    But I can’t help but wonder why this year is different.
    Chad must be able to read my confusion as he quickly clarifies, “Although you’re not in the running for the award this year, your research on neurobiology and addiction hasn’t gone unnoticed by the board. You keep it up, and next year, you’ve got a real good shot at being a strong contender.”
    It’s every doctor’s dream to be invited to this event, but the hint of possibly being nominated next year is phenomenal.
    Keeping my calm, however, I reply, “Well, I better ensure I keep up the good work. Please send all information to my office, and I’ll make sure to RSVP by the date.”
    “Excellent. I look forward to seeing you there,” Chad says happily. “Keep up the good work, Dixon. We’re keeping a close eye on you.” He hangs up before I have a chance to reply.
    Holy shit, this is beyond amazing. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that me, Dixon Mathews, the only son of an Italian migrant family, would get this opportunity. I think this calls for a celebration.
    Reaching for my phone, an unexpected thought occurs to me. Chad did say they’re keeping a close eye on me. And yes, I’ve mostly kept my nose clean, but this situation with Ms. Harte could certainly turn ugly and taint my career if it ever got out.
    What happened earlier in the week would definitely result in my license being revoked for unethical conduct. I’ve worked hard to maintain the noteworthy position I’m currently in, and I cannot, or rather, I will not allow my cock to fuck up something I’ve worked too hard to achieve.
    With a defeated sigh, I lift the receiver and page Susanna.
    “Dr. Mathews?”
    “Hello, Ms. Vale. There’s a patient I need you to contact.”
    “Of course. Who might that be?”
    Taking a muted breath, I reply, “Ms. Juliet Harte.”
    “What would you like me to tell her?” Susanna innocently inquires.
    Ignoring the pang of regret, I sigh. “Please let her know I can no longer treat her, and pass on Dr. Geo’s details.”
    “Not a problem, Dr. Mathews. Is there anything else you would like me to say?”
    There are a thousand things I wish I could say. But this is for the best.
    “No, Ms. Vale. Let’s leave it at that.”
----
    F riday night drinks are what get me through the week, and after today’s news, I can’t wait to kick back and have a few beers with the boys to celebrate my good fortune.
    “If I may, I would like to propose a toast to my good friend, Dr. Dixon Mathews, who may be a womanizing jerk at times—” I roll my eyes, but listen to Hunter’s heartfelt speech “—but he’s shown great restraint by saying hell no to the foxy nympho to save his career. Some may say he’s gone crazy, or maybe even turned a little soft, but I’m proud of him for putting his blue balls in his suitcase, and focusing on what’s important.”
    “Amen!” Finch butts in, raising his glass of Coke.
    “Thanks. I think.” We clink glasses, and I take a well-deserved sip.
    I’ve told them about my decision to no longer see Juliet, and they were both in agreement that it’s for the best.
    “So, now that McSlutty Slut is outta your life, are you gonna cuddle up to that cute little brunette from the other night?” Hunter asks, waggling his eyebrows.
    “McSlutty Slut? Jesus, that’s a little rough.”
    Hunter shrugs. “I call ’em as I see’em.”
    “Well, if everyone lived by your rules, whatever do you think