I smile and head to his room and change as her words linger in the back of my head.
I’m not sure I’ll ever look at him the same way again.Because now I see him for more than just the brilliant doctor, but the boy who learned to hide his heart because showing it hurt too much.The man who’s still doing it, still protecting himself, even as he’s trying to let me close.
Chapter 28
Regan
Istepintohisoffice, the door clicking softly shut behind me.He looks up from his notes as I approach, his pen stilling mid-sentence.
“You’re making me look bad,” I say, crossing my arms with a teasing tilt of my head.
His eyebrow lifts.“How’s that?”
“You’re always working.”
A smirk creeps across his face.“Guilty.But in my defence, I’ve been...a little distracted lately.”
“Have you now?”I ask, even as my pulse skips.
He hums as I take a few steps toward him.My brain keeps chanting the same warning:We’re at work, so keep your hands to yourself.
I toss my bag to the side, trying to shake it off.“So, what’s on the agenda today?”
“The usual patient rounds, but I also need to prep for the grand opening on Friday, including writing an article forPulse Bulletin.”
“Did they decide on a theme?”
He grunts.“Toy Story.”
A grin breaks across my face.“No way.That actually won?”
He groans, pinching the bridge of his nose.“Yep.I thought the jungle theme was bad, but this...”
“Hey,” I protest, laughing.“I like it!It hits all the age groups.Everyone lovesToy Story.”
“Apparently not everyone,” he mutters, but his lips twitch like he’s trying not to smile.
I turn toward the door.“All right, I’ll start the coffee.Then we can—”
“Wait.”He reaches into his bag and holds something out.“You might want to take this.Picked up a fresh one on the way in.”
It’s a bottle of creamer.A simple gesture, but one that makes my throat tighten.I take it.
He doesn’t let go right away, his hand closing around mine, and with a quick pull, he draws me toward him.I crash softly against his chest, and before I can speak, his lips find mine.
My hand grips his tie to pull him closer.
His palm cups the side of my face and kisses me reverently, his lips soft and slow, like we have all the time in the world, and for one stupid moment, I forget this is casual and grip onto the hope that this could be more.
Only ten more months, and I’m out of here.That’s all the time we have left.The thought sits heavy in my chest.I have to be smarter.Because every time I’m with him like this, I’m making it harder on myself.I’m digging myself into feelings I can’t afford to have.And when I leave, it’s going to hurt.
“Come on,” I tease.“Let me make us some coffee before someone walks in and sees me trying to seduce my mentor.”
I pull away, but not without a last, lingering glance at the way his tie sits crooked now.
When I return to his office with our coffees, he’s reviewing charts.I casually say, “Oh, by the way, I met your housekeeper.”
His eyebrows lift.“I thought she was starting later.”
