Her lips twitch. “I would never.”
“Liar,” I say as I try to hide the smile that wants to creep up.
She turns her body slightly toward me, and the space between us narrows. Not enough to draw attention. Enough to feel intentional.
“I did promise him dessert if he behaved,” she admits.
I raise a brow. “Bribery. Bold choice.”
“It works,” she says. “On most of my patients.”
Her eyes meet mine. They’re warmer now. Easier.
“And on you?” I ask before I can stop myself while I cross my arms across my chest.
She stills for half a second as she follows my movements, then meets my eyes.
Then she smiles slowly. “Depends what you’re offering.”
Heat curls low in my stomach. I didn’t expect her response or what it would make me feel.
I clear my throat as I try to recover. “I meant professionally.”
“Of course you did,” she replies quickly, turning back to the computer. But not before I catch the faint flush creeping up her neck.
“Melissa,” I say quietly.
She looks up again.
“Thank you,” I add. “For today. For … Frank.”
Her expression softens. “You’re welcome.”
I hesitate. Then I nod and step away. But this time, when I do, it doesn’t feel like retreat. It feels like consideration.
Chapter Thirteen
Melissa
As I open my locker and place my coat on its hanger, I realize I feel calmer this morning. It’s hard to name the difference, but then Colton walks into the room, and I know he has everything to do with it.
I smile at him, and he smiles back. It’s a big upgrade from his head nod—or worse, him completely ignoring me.
Hope blooms in my chest.
He opens his locker and pulls out his white coat, then turns to face me.
“Morning,” he says, his voice low. It’s not clipped or distant now.
The single word hits heavier than it should.
“Morning,” I reply, my smile lingering too long.
For a moment, neither of us moves. The hum of the heater,the faint echo of voices down the hall … it all feels too loud in the quiet between us.
“You heading to 447?” he asks.
“I am. I’m sure Frank already has something he’s ready to complain about.”
