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“Follow me,” Dr. Tolley instructs.
Samuel quickly matches her pace. His thoughts are racing quickly as he prepares himself for an emergency.
* * *
By the time Samuel arrives home, Eden and her family have finished dinner.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” he says to Eden. He pulls her close and holds her for a few moments longer than usual.
“Are you okay?” She pats his back. “I just put Rose to sleep.”
“Fine.” He pulls away and kisses her lips. “Exhausted, that’s all.”
“Samuel.” Mr. Monteford stands from the lounge and shakes his hand. “How was your day?”
Samuel does his best not to allow the exhaustion to surface. Mr. Monteford has wanted quality time with him when Samuel first arrived in Adelaide, only his busy schedule interfered with moments for meaningful conversation. Since Samuel began working, his thoughts have been associated around the hospital, and fatigue prevented him from spending time with Eden’s family.
“Interesting and exhausting, yet I’m enjoying the work. I’ve missed the patient contact.”
Eden frowns at him as though she doubts his words.
He enjoys the work, always the patient contact. It was the demands on his life, other aspects of how he was perceived, and the arrogance of his peers that wore him down. Along with Inesa’s words, he viewed modern medicine in a whole different light. It’s why he wanted to volunteer as a doctor and care for those who couldn’t afford private insurance or more, to the point, they were not privy to any medical care beyond their community.
He bows his head with the memory.
“Are you hungry,” Eden asks gently and takes his hand to lead him to the kitchen. “Are the long hours too much? You should wait until you’re stronger.”
“I’m fine,” he murmurs. “Exhausted but fine.” For the entire day, not once did a memory of Ulara come to mind, and he feels as though it’s the perfect distraction.
Eden places a gentle hand on his back. “I’ll warm up your dinner.”
He sits at the table, and her father comes and takes a seat beside him. “I believe congratulations are in order with your new home and two new cars. If you need any help—”
“I’m fine, sir. It’s the least I can do for Eden and Rose.” Samuel is aware of table manners, yet he leans his elbow on the table to support some weight from his aching back.
“The least? This is extraordinarily generous of you, and please don’t call me sir. You are my family.”
Samuel stares at Mr. Monteford. He’s not sure if it’s a gentle prompt to make his relationship with Eden official or if he’s being friendly. His blue eyes home in on Samuel, the intense color reminding him of his daughter’s. “Thank you, I appreciate you saying that.”
“Dad, do you mind if I have a quiet word with Samuel? You’ll have time to chat when he’s not so tired.”
“I’m sorry if I imposed.” He stands from his chair.
“Not at all, sir… I mean, Winston.” Winston chuckles lightly. “I promise I’ll be bubblier in a few days.”
Winston presses a firm hand to Samuel’s shoulder. “Of course.”
Eden places a plate of roasted vegetables and a small piece of chicken in front of Samuel.
He grabs her hand. “Thank you. I know I haven’t made our relationship official or set a date for a wedding, but I promise it’s something we can discuss later.”
She leans in and kisses the top of his head. “To be honest, it was the furthest thing from my mind. We both have a lot going on.”
“Thank you for understanding. I really am the luckiest guy.” Taking her face in his hands, he kisses her lips with the need to taste Eden more than any food. He dips his tongue and finds hers. God, she tastes good. If he had the strength, he’d carry her to their bedroom right now and lose himself inside her. His imagination shows, and his kiss turns into a wildfire burning on their lips.
“Samuel,” she moans. “Eat first, okay?”
“I’d rather eat you,” he whispers in her ear.
