“I should go,” he said, even though he didn’t want to. “Let you get back to work.”
“Or you could stay.” Her fingers traced patterns on the back of his hand. “Keep me company while I catalog another box of ledgers. It’s riveting stuff. All the excitement of accounting with the added bonus of century-old handwriting.”
Despite everything, he found himself smiling. “Tempting.”
“But you’re going to leave anyway because staying means being close to me and being close to me means Hyde gets rowdy?”
“Something like that.”
She sighed dramatically. “Fine. Abandon me to the thrilling world of historical expense reports. But you’re calling me tonight.”
“I always call you.”
“I know.” Her smile was soft. “It’s my favorite part of the day.”
The confession made his chest tight. “Mine too.”
They looked at each other for a long moment. The air between them felt charged, heavy with possibility.
He leaned in slowly, giving her time to pull away. When she didn’t, he brushed his lips against hers—a careful, chaste kiss that still sent heat racing through his bloodstream. She made a small sound of protest when he pulled back.
“That’s not a real kiss.”
“It’s all you’re getting right now.” But he smiled, softening the words.
“Tease.”
“Careful.”
“Or what?” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “You’ll kiss me properly? Oh no. What a terrible threat.”
Hyde laughed, the sound rumbling through Victor’s chest.
“You’re dangerous,” Victor said.
“Good.” She kissed his cheek, her lips warm against his skin. “Now go be a productive member of society. I have nineteenth-century sheep-shearing expenses to catalog.”
He left before he could talk himself into staying. Before he could pull her into his arms and kiss her the way Hyde was demanding. Before he could cross the careful line he’d drawn between professional concern and personal desire.
But as he walked back to the clinic through the crisp November air, Victor found himself smiling.
I’ll try to trust Hyde more.
The promise echoed in his mind, equal parts terrifying and exhilarating.
CHAPTER 14
The walks had become routine.
Every other evening, weather permitting, he would finish his last appointment and drive to her cabin. They’d walk the forest path behind her house, talking about everything and nothing while the sun set through the trees.
He told himself it was practical. Exercise was good for pregnant women and fresh air promoted healthy sleep. As her physician, he had a vested interest in her wellness. But the truth was simpler and more complicated: he needed to see her.
“Tell me about medical school.” Her hand was tucked into the crook of his elbow, her steps slower now as the baby grew. “What made you want to be a doctor?”
“Family tradition.” He adjusted his pace to match hers. “Jacksons have been physicians since the town was founded. It seemed inevitable I’d follow the same path.”
“But did you want to?”
