A Man with Nerves of Steel (Joseph Hart) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Joseph sneezed. It wasn’t a cold; it felt more like someone was thinking about him, resenting him, or bad- mouthing him.

Either way, it didn’t stop him from paying his PhD tuition. Thanks to his own application and Walt’s help, he was able to resume the doctoral program he’d started more than ten years ago. Now, all he had to do was finish his dissertation and defend it, and he’d finally get his PhD.

After paying his fees, he settled down and dove into his medical books and research materials. He studied straight through until about 7:00 pm, when he finally headed to the hospital cafeteria for dinner.

When he got back, he drank some water and studied for a bit more. Soon, a wave of exhaustion washed over him. Before long, he was slumped over his desk and fast asleep.

He had no idea how much time had passed when, in a groggy haze, he sensed someone come into the room. Something was poured into his mouth, then he was lifted and moved onto the bed. He was stripped.

“Cora, what are you doing?” Joseph’s voice was thick with sleep, but he still managed to get the words out. The only person who knew he was staying there and had a key to his room was Cora.

But the woman didn’t answer him.

He forced his eyes open a crack and managed to make out a slender figure with long hair standing at his desk, flipping through his things. His eyelids grew heavier and heavier, and he slipped back under.

At some point, it all blurred into what felt like a dream. In the dream, the woman with him was Cora, and yet somehow not. Either way, it felt incredibly sweet and intoxicating. The dream went on and on, and he sank into it, reluctant to wake up.

…

The alarm wouldn’t stop ringing.

Joseph’s eyes flew open, and he pushed himself up in bed, still full of questions. He clearly remembered falling asleep at his desk. How had he ended up in bed?

“Go home with you? Forgive me? Do you even hear yourself right now?” Joseph stared at her, genuinely offended. What really got under his skin was her tone. She sounded so superior, like she was making it absolutely clear that he had no choice but to compromise.

“I have a clear conscience. I’m not going to admit to something I didn’t do. The day you realize how badly you’ve wronged me, you’re going to be overwhelmed by regret. I love you, and I don’t want to see you like this, stuck in this misunderstanding you’ve cooked up,” Cora said.

“You have a clear conscience? That might be the funniest joke I’ve heard all year. I’m positive I’m not wrong about you. In my eyes, you’re nothing but a complete fraud. Get out. I don’t want to see you again!” Joseph snapped.

He pulled the door open, clearly telling her to leave.

“Take a good look at this. I’ll wait for you in the car for five minutes. Once you come down, we’ll go home together, and I’ll pretend none of this ever happened. If you don’t, I’m going back by myself. It’s your call.” Cora took an envelope out of her bag and set it down. Then, she walked out.

Joseph switched on the fan and opened the window, letting the breeze clear out the perfume she’d left lingering in the room. When he finally opened the envelope and saw what was inside, his eyes widened in shock.