“Oh, geesh. What did I say now?”
Rolling her chair back, she stood and closed in on him. “You signed it correctly. It was what you said.” She peeked past him, then looked back, her fingers stroking his wrist. “And I’d love to, but we shouldn’t make a habit of it.”
“Told you I’m having a hard time kicking the habit. Not sure I want to.”
Her hand captured his. “I don’t want to either, but while at work we should try and be professional.”
While at work, sure. “Then, I’ll have to get you back to my place more often.”
With the blizzard raging outside, he just might be able to do that.
Carli’s hands raced over her phone screen.
—Rhonda finally made it in. I’m free to go home.—
Carli had promised Blake she wouldn’t leave without telling him. Granted, she wasn’t sure how she’d actually get home. It was almost midnight, and the last commuter rail was leaving in a short while. She’d never get to North Station in time, unless the trains were running late, and that was a good possibility. Should she take the chance, only to get there and find out there was no train?
Her phone vibrated in her hand.
—Don’t go anywhere. I’m finishing up here. Be there in a minute.—
What was up? There wasn’t any chance she’d let him drive her home, not with the snow still coming down as heavy as it was. The news reports had said that Route 93 was a nightmare. Unfortunately, they’d gotten many of the accident victims here at the hospital. Broken and strained limbs were plentiful around radiology tonight.
She closed up her computer, tidied up the last few patient reports she’d done, and filled Rhonda in on what was still open. When she looked up, Blake was in the doorway.
“Are you ready?”
He followed her to her desk and helped her on with her coat. She’d changed into her boots before texting him. “What were your plans for getting home? You know it’s miserable out there.”
Letting out a huge sigh, she shrugged. “I’ll try and get the last train to Medford. If it’s delayed, I might make it.” She checked her watch and noted she didn’t have much time. “If I miss it, I might need to crash on the couch in your office.”
“I have a better idea.” A grin split his face. “Come home with me. You can sleep in my guest room. We’ll still have to walk, but it’s closer than North Station.”
What should she do? She hated the idea of gambling on the train, and it was doubtful any Uber would be out tonight, even if she’d been willing to put anyone else at risk on the roads.
Blake must have sensed her dilemma, because he picked up her purse and led her out into the atrium, so they could chat without Rhonda nearby.
“If you come home with me tonight, we’ll be able to walk here easily in the morning. I doubt the streets will be completely cleaned up by then. They’re also asking everyone to stay off the roads. I don’t want you going home in this weather at this time of night, and I certainly don’t want you walking all the way to North Station just to have to turn around and come back if the train already left.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “So either I get my car and drive you home, or you stay with me. I’ll even spoil you with my famous French Toast for breakfast in the morning.”
“French Toast? How did you know that was my weakness?” It wasn’t, but she’d let him think it was. That way it would seem like he’d coerced her instead of her jumping at the chance.
“Does that mean you’ll come?”
She pulled out her phone. “Let me text Mercedes, so she doesn’t worry when she wakes up in the morning and I’m not there.”
“You mean she’s not waiting up for you?” he teased.
“She could be. She is a bit of a mother hen.” Typing away, she let her roommate know she was staying with another staff member who lived close to the hospital. It wasn’t a good idea to tell her it was Blake. She’d never hear the end of it. Especially if Evan heard, too, and he and Mercedes were close. Sometimes too close. The last thing she wanted was her overprotective sibling getting wind of this, regardless of where she stayed. Blake did say guest room.
Mercedes responded back quickly and told her to stay safe.
“I’m all set then. Let’s brave the storm.”
Scarves were wrapped tightly, hats pulled down low, pants tucked into boots, coats buttoned all the way up before adding the gloves. Carli slipped her purse strap over her head, so she didn’t have to worry about it falling off.
They pushed open the heavy door and immediately put their heads down. Blake grabbed her arm and together they fought the wind and snow. If it hadn’t been blowing right in their faces, it might have been pretty.
