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"Maybe a little," I admitted sheepishly, unable to suppress a grin. "But don't let that get around. I have a reputation to maintain, after all."
"Your secret is safe with me, Dr. Harrington," Hugo promised, crossing his heart and miming zipping his lips shut. "And who knows? Maybe this is the start of something new for you."
"Maybe," I repeated, allowing myself a brief moment to entertain the possibility.
"So nothing happened?" Hugo asked curiously, leaning in. Shit. Everyone loves details.
I felt my cheeks warm thinking about what happened. I couldn't help but recall the intense chemistry between us and the way she looked when I found her on that disastrous date. "She left this morning while I was still asleep."
"Damn, that's cold," Hugo replied, chuckling softly. "Didn't even leave a note or anything?"
"Actually, she did," I admitted, remembering the small piece of paper she'd left behind. It had simply read, "Thank you for saving me last night," in elegant handwriting, but it had been enough to make me smile. "But she didn't leave any contact information, so I have no way of getting in touch with her. A true one-night stand." It did hurt to admit that.
"Shit, man, sounds like you missed your chance there," Hugo mused, his eyes filled with sympathy. "But hey, maybe it's for the best. You have questions about it all, and maybe you need some time to convince yourself you need a relationship."
"Maybe," I sighed, unable to shake the nagging feeling that I'd let something special slip through my fingers.
"Come on, don't beat yourself up over it," Hugo said, his tone reassuring. "You'll find someone who appreciates your doctor charm. Eventually." He hit me on the shoulder.
"Doctor charm?" I laughed, shaking my head at his choice of words. "Is that what you call it? I think out of all of us, I seem to have the least."
"Hey, it worked for me!" Hugo grinned, flashing me a wicked smile. "Now, seriously, don't worry about it too much. Who knows, maybe she'll walk back into your life one day."
"Or maybe I'll run into her at the grocery store," I mused, my mind wandering to the thought of a chance encounter with Calla. "I mean, stranger things have happened, right?"
"Exactly!" Hugo agreed, his laughter joining mine. "Now, get back to work for me, Dr. Harrington. There are lives to be saved, hearts to be broken and brains to be mended."
"Thanks, Hugo," I said, genuinely grateful for his words of encouragement and his friendship. "You always know how to put things into perspective. I just wish I'd gotten her number or something," I said, a pang of disappointment settling in my chest. "I didn't even think about it last night. You know how it is when you're caught up in the moment."
"Ah, Dominic, my friend, rookie mistake!" Hugo teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You should have asked for her number before she left. It's not every day a beautiful woman ends up in your apartment after a rescue mission like that!"
"Easy for you to say now," I huffed, running a hand through my hair. "I didn't want to come across as too forward, especially considering the circumstances."
"Too forward?" Hugo let out a hearty laugh, clapping me on the back. "You're a doctor, man! Use that charm of yours and sweep her off her feet! Hell, if I were in your shoes, I would have made sure she had my number, at the very least."
"Alright, alright," I conceded, chuckling at his playful ribbing. "I get it. I missed an opportunity. But it's not like I can go back in time and change things now, can I?"
"Unfortunately, no," Hugo agreed, his laughter subsiding. "But no use crying over spilled milk, right?"
"Exactly," Hugo said, giving me a reassuring smile. "Just keep your eyes open and your heart ready, my friend. You never know when love will come knocking on your door."
"Thanks, Hugo," I replied, grateful for his support and friendship.
As Hugo left my office, I took a deep breath and turned my attention back to my work. He was right. I couldn't let myself get caught up in what might have been. Instead, I had to focus on the present and trust that when the time was right, fate would bring me exactly where I needed to be.
Just then, my phone beeped.
Vic
Hey, big brother. Long time no speak.
Hey, it was my little sister, Victoria. She lived in San Diego, living her best life. We didn't talk often, but I would still say we were close. When our parents divorced when I was eighteen and she was thirteen, I did my best to help her through it. I have to admit; she was doing really well for herself. She was a marketing guru out there doing whatever marketing people do.
Hey! Great to hear from you. How's things?
Great. Sorry I haven't been in touch lately. I went to Cabo with my friends last week. Had a great time. But it made me miss you too. Everyone was talking about their brothers.
Aw, thanks. Nice to be missed.
