“Please tell me it’s jungle-themed again.”I laugh.
He shakes his head.“I’m still recovering.”
“I noticed the monkey and snake are gone.”
“Yeah, because I begged the cleaners to hide them.Those things haunted my desk.I’m hoping for something more...tasteful this time.”
“Doubtful,” I say with a grin.“It’s a peds ward.We’re doomed to glitter and chaos.”
He chuckles, then shifts the conversation.“Catch me up on the patients?”
I’m nervous about today’s shift.There’re the usual people walking around, so I try not to be seen acting too casual.I list off room numbers, brief summaries, and mention which families want extra updates.
He listens, nodding.“I’ll follow up on a couple of those charts.Are you free for a quick coffee break?”
“Not ordering me to make yours today?”
“Don’t tempt me.”He gives me a look, half-challenge, half-flirting, and slides his finger lightly along my waist as we walk.It’s barely a touch, just enough to make me squirm.Then it’s gone.
We step into the break room, where there are only two people inside, one on their phone, the other eating.I grab the coffee pods while he reaches for the mugs and the creamer,his creamer, the one I keep using and pretending not to.He doesn’t say anything.Just watches me with that knowing look as he pours it for both of us.
I slide the coffee toward him.He nudges my hand slightly as he takes it.
“Want to go to my office?”he asks.
My body wants to say yes, but my stomach is rumbling, and I really want this coffee.
“Later,” I say, smirking.“Come on.Be social.”
He sighs but follows me to the corner table.I make sure we have enough room between us and the other so our conversation can’t be heard.
We talk a bit about the upcoming wing celebration… guessing themes, throwing out ideas for games.
“So… does this opening mean you’re chief soon?”I keep my voice light, even though I don’t feel that way, knowing things will change when he gets it.Not between us, necessarily.But it would mean more responsibility for him.More scrutiny and risk if anyone found out.
He leans back, sipping slowly.“Who knows?Your dad isn’t saying much.”
“It has to be you.If he gives it to Dr.Gould, I’m gonna lose it.”The thought of Mason getting that title makes my blood boil for reasons that have nothing to do with Brant.He’s competent, yes, but he talks over nurses, dismisses the residents’ input, and even treats them more like files instead of people.Brant is demanding, but he’s nothing like that.He cares and listens.
He laughs.“You would.”
We finish our drinks, and he takes my empty cup without being asked.Just slides it from my hand like it’s natural.
“Thanks,” I say, smiling up at him.
We head back out, both of us a little buzzed from the caffeine but also from hanging out.There are a couple of minor emergencies, and he doesn’t hover like he usually does.He lets me take the lead on some scans and orders.
It hits me then… He trusts me.This part of us feels good… like I’ve earned it.
And I don’t think I’ve ever liked anyone more.
It’s finally our proper break, with just a few hours until we’re off.But I’ve been on edge the entire shift.Being next to him, smelling his scent, remembering the feel of his lips on mine, and not being able to do anything about it.
So before he can say a word, I close the office door with a bang after he sits in his chair.
He raises an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching.“And what do you want?”Leaning back in his chair, he twists it slightly toward me, his eyes dark with amusement.“Actually… I knew exactly what you wanted the second you walked in here.”
My stomach flips.“My dad was way too close today.Maybe you should get a lock on this door.”
