Page 109 of Doctor’s Forbidden Match

She mutters under her breath, “Sexy Sterling.”

He definitely heard that. Fuck my life. His eyes flash with amusement.

“Nice to meet you, Brooke,” he says. As they shake hands, Brooke stands a little straighter, her cheeks pinkening.

“So, you’re the famous surgeon,” Brooke says, smiling. “Hannah’s told me absolutely nothing about you.”

He laughs a real laugh that makes my chest ache. “Is that right?”

“Complete mystery man.” Brooke continues, and I want to die.

They talk for a bit longer, Brooke asking about the town, Zac answering warmly. I just stand there, watching him, memorizing the way his eyes light up when he smiles, the way he gestures with his hands when he talks.

Suddenly, his face shatters, as if realizing something. “I’d better go before someone takes our picture. But I’d really like to see you again.”

“What about the investigation?”

“Do you have plans tomorrow?” There’s something in his expression that is a mix of hope and uncertainty.

“No. Why?”

“What if you both come down to the cabin? It’ll give us time to talk without any cameras around. I’ll have my friends there too.”

I’m smiling before he can finish. “I’d like that very much.”

Brooke takes down the cabin’s address in her phone.

“I’d better go.”

“Nice meeting you.”

“You too.” He flicks his gaze to Brooke briefly before meeting mine again.

“See you tomorrow,” I say softly.

“See you then.” His gaze holds mine for a beat too long, and I forget how to breathe.

We wave, and I force myself to turn away. I walk off with Brooke, my crutches clicking against the pavement, and I can’t help myself. I look over my shoulder.

My stomach swoops when he looks back too. He’s stopped walking, turned halfway around, and when our eyes meet, he smiles.

“Holy shit,” Brooke whispers beside me. “That was intense.”

“I miss him,” I sigh, finally tearing my gaze away.

We head back to the car as Brooke mumbles about how handsome he is. “Like, seriously good-looking. I totally understand the attraction. Does he have any single friends?”

I laugh, but it’s short, because just as we were starting to get to know each other, he was pulled away. I didn’t get the opportunity to ask about his friends. “I don’t actually know.”

“I’ll find out tomorrow.” She winks.

The drive to the cabin takes a couple of hours. I’m navigating maps while Brooke drives a rental car, blasting pop music and singing off-key.

“What if his friends are weird or don’t like me?” I ask for the third time. If his friends’ don’t like me, it would kill this off before it’s even properly started.

“Then we leave. But they’ll like you. Han, stop overthinking.”

The GPS directs us down a gravel road, and then we’re pulling into a clearing. There’s a small parking area, and I can see three trucks already there. My hands are sweating.