Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 364(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 364(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
“Am I missing something?” Evan asks.
I nod. “Watch your mouth, Dr. Scott.”
Realization hits him. “Excuse my language, young lady.”
Stevie laughs. “Don’t sweat it. We all let one slip once in a while.”
The table erupts in laughter.
Evan focuses his gaze on Eloise. “I saw you here a few weeks back, right? You were hanging out with Saylor Robinson and Dax’s girlfriend.”
“Penny,” Eloise fills in that blank. “I was. It’s nice to meet you, sir.”
She tosses me a look along with a smirk.
If she’s looking for another angry fuck, I can make that happen if she keeps teasing me. I already have a handful of questions about Logan, but that can wait because it seems our ice cream party is about to balloon in size.
“Els!” Saylor Robinson’s voice fills the entire cafeteria as she races toward us.
She’s holding tightly to her lamb. It’s wrapped up in something that looks a hell of a lot like a sweater.
“I’m going to leave you to this.” Evan pats my shoulder. “I was just passing through on my way home.”
I send him off with a tap on the back after he says goodbye to everyone.
Eloise is on her feet before Saylor reaches our table. She crouches to give the little girl a hug.
Penny and Dax are just steps behind her, followed by Mrs. Robinson and a man who bears a striking resemblance to Saylor. They share the same color eyes, and hair. The dimple in her chin matches the one in his.
Penny greets us. “Dr. Morgan and everyone else.”
Astrid laughs as she pushes to stand. “I’m Astrid. I’m going to guess that you’re Pen.”
Penny looks genuinely touched. “How did you know?”
“Eloise mentioned you were a very pretty redhead.” She smiles. “She was right.”
Dax continues the introductions, ending with me. “Dad, this is the man. This is Dr. Morgan. He saved my life.”
Stevie gasps. “You saved his life, Gaines?”
“He did.” Saylor moves to stand next to Stevie. “That doctor is a lifesaver. Just like my favorite candy.”
Stevie nods. “Mine is chocolate. Do you want some ice cream?”
The two work that out with Astrid as I take Mr. Robinson’s hand for a shake. “It’s good to meet you.”
He slips his hand away from mine to wrap his arms around me. “Thank you, doctor. You saved my boy.”
My phone chirps in my pocket. I know that notification. It’s for an email but the crowd gathered isn’t aware, so I use the excuse that has never failed me. “I’m needed in the ED.”
“Of course, “ a few voices toss that out.
I turn to Daxton. “You’re not back for a medical reason, are you? You’re still doing all right?”
“I’m good.” He nods. “We took a chance hoping you’d be here so my dad could meet you.”
It’s not the first time a grateful family has tracked me down.
“It was good to see all of you.” I circle, stopping to give Eloise an extra second of my attention. “I’ll go take care of that issue now.”
I set off toward the exit.
I hear hurried footsteps behind me but I know they’re too heavy to belong to my lamb. I glance over my shoulder to see Daxton sprinting my way.
A month ago, movement like that would have caused him distress. Today, he’s not breaking a sweat.
“I have a quick question.” He rounds me, stopping me in my tracks.
I know what’s coming, but I don’t interrupt. I simply nod.
“You’re sure it’s okay if I get…” His voice trails as he steps closer. “It’s okay if I get physical with Pen. I’ve got it all planned out for tomorrow.”
I glance back at the people I just left. Penny’s gaze is pinned to us, as is Eloise’s but I know they’re for two very different reasons.
Penny is focused on her boyfriend. Eloise can’t take her eyes off of me.
Jesus. I may be the luckiest bastard in this city.
“Have fun, Dax.” I look him in the eye. “You’re good to go.”
His entire face lights up as he smiles. “It’s going to be epic. I’ve never liked a girl this much. I’m nervous as hell, but I want this. I’ve never wanted a woman more.”
I know that feeling all too well.
He pats my shoulder. “You’ve been good to me, Dr. Morgan. If I can ever do anything for you, let me know.”
“Live a long and happy life,” I tell him. “That’s all I’ll ever ask of you.”
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Eloise
“So, let me get this straight.” Dax points a finger at Astrid. “You’re Eloise’s cousin? Your dads are brothers.”
“They are,” Stevie steps in to answer. “It’s pretty cool, right?”
“Very cool,” Pen responds.
I glance to the entrance of the cafeteria for the third time in the past forty minutes but Gaines has yet to reappear.
I know most emergencies aren’t actually resolved in the time it takes for one of the medical drama’s episodes to stream, but I was hoping to at least stare at him for a few more minutes tonight.