“No more trips out of town,” I say to Scarlet, my voice catching in my throat.Because I’m thinking about all the families who’ve had to make that terrible choice.“Not just for you, but for so many families.”
She nods, eyes misty.“It’s exciting.Really exciting.”
I pull her into another hug, squeezing tightly.
We keep walking, passing a polished plaque with her family name engraved at the bottom.Pride rushes through me for what they’ve done.
“I can’t wait for the party tonight,” I say.
“Dr.Thomas.”My dad’s voice cuts through the noise, and my heart jumps.I turn, already composing my expression into something professional.
I turn toward him.“Yes?”
“We need a photo.You too, Mr.and Mrs.King and family.”
We head back toward the front of the wing, pausing where the light’s best and the media waits.I pose, smile in place, but then I feel a gentle brush at the small of my back.
I stiffen.Then inhale.
Clean, classic, woody, and fresh.Brant.
My smile widens.I don’t have to turn around.I know it’s him.
Leaning into him ever so slightly, my body curves subtly toward his as the photographer counts down.Brant suddenly moves his mouth close enough to whisper something in my ear.
Click.
Another photo.Another touch, his hand lingering at my waist, warm through the fabric of my scrubs.
Click.
He doesn’t stop.
Click.
Every picture, he’s right there, close enough to set my nerves humming, but just far enough to make it look innocent.
I should move.
But I don’t.
Not even a little.
I should remind him that he’s risking a lot.
He’s so close to being named chief any day now.But instead of pulling back, he keeps crossing the line, and I let him.
“Well,” I say, turning to Scarlet with a reluctant sigh, “I guess I should do some actual work now.”
“It was so good seeing you,” she says as she pulls me in for another quick hug.“I’ll see you at the party tonight?”
“You sure will.”
“Want a lift there?”
I shake my head.“Nah, I’ll probably go in with Dad or drive myself.”
She nods.“Alright.I’ll catch you later.”
