“Danae,” Marcy calls softly from across the station. “You good?”
I force a smile. “I will be in about five minutes.”
She nods, sympathy plain on her face. “Text me when you get home.”
“I always do.”
I gather my things slowly, drawing the moment out like I can delay whatever’s waiting outside by sheer stubbornness. The hospital feels different in the evening—less frantic, more tense. Like everyone’s holding their breath for the next shoe to drop.
Lucas is leaning against the counter when I turn the corner.
Of course he is.
“Heading out?” he asks, voice casual, eyes sharp.
“Yes,” I state. I don’t stop walking.
He falls into step beside me. “Thought maybe we could reset. Yesterday got a little awkward.”
“That happens sometimes,” I reply evenly. “Good night, Dr. Reeves.”
I push through the employee exit before he can respond. The evening air is cool, a relief after hours of breathing in different perfumes and body odors. I breathe deep as I step into the lot, keys already threaded between my fingers out of habit. My car sits under a dim light at the far end, and I head for it with my head down, shoulders tight.
I’m halfway there when I hear footsteps behind me.
“Danae.”
I stop. Dammit. I don’t turn around right away. I know who it is. I knew he’d follow. I just hoped, stupidly, that he wouldn’t.
“What is it, Lucas?” I ask, keeping my voice level as I face him.
Up close, he smells like old cologne and confidence. His smile is easy, like we’re old friends catching up instead of coworkers standing alone in a dark parking lot.
“Relax,” he says. “I’m not here to bite.”
“I asked what you want,” I reply.
His gaze flicks to my car, then back to me. “I want to talk. Without an audience.”
“This isn’t appropriate,” I state. “We can talk at work about work.”
That makes him laugh. “Come on,” he says lightly. “Don’t be like that. You shut me down yesterday like I insulted you.”
“I said no,” I reply. “That’s not an insult. It’s an answer.”
He steps closer. “Is it personal?” he asks. “Or do you just not date coworkers? Because it doesn’t have to get messy.”
“It’s not personal,” I respond quickly, a line forming in my head even as I speak it. “I’m seeing someone.” Did I just lie? Yes. Do I think it’s ridiculous to do so? Yes. I declined his invitation and that should have been enough. Some men, though, they need a good reason to back off. And another man sounds like the way to go.
He freezes for half a second. Then his smile widens. “Really.”
“Yes.”
He looks me up and down, slow and deliberate. “Funny. I’ve never seen you with anyone.”
“He travels,” I state making sure not to stammer. My heart starts to pound, but my voice stays steady. “A lot.”
Lucas chuckles. “Of course he does.”
