Page 146 of Doctor's Bossy Match
“Hey!”I blurt, surprised.“I’ve missed you.”
He gives me one of his classic awkward hugs.The kind that’s more shoulder tap than embrace.Still, I take it.
“Has Brant shown you your office yet?”he asks.“I set one aside for you.”
My heart is beating faster, and it’s not from the collision; it’s from knowing my dad is talking to Brant but also that he has an office already for me.Like he’s excited I’m back.I expected him to be happy, but not this excited.
“No, not yet.”
“Well, come on.You need to order furniture and whatever else.Right now, it’s just… a box.”
I follow him down the corridor.We stop in front of a plain white door.He pushes it open and gestures inside.
The room is empty.A single window looks out over the back parking lot.It smells faintly like antiseptic and dust.But it’s mine.A room with my name on the door.
“Sorry, there’s not much to it,” he says.“We used to use it for overflow storage.I just had them clear it out.”
I step in, imagining a desk in the corner, maybe a couple of chairs, a plant on the windowsill.A space of my own.
“No, it’s perfect,” I say, glancing back at him.“Feels real now.”
He doesn’t say anything, just nods once.That’s my dad trying to show he cares without actually saying it.
“Thanks.”
Dad clears his throat.“Well, this’ll be yours.”
He watches me take it in, hands in his pockets.
“How does that feel?”
I turn to him, smiling.“Really good.I finally feel a bit settled now.”
“New York not your thing?”
“It was… It was great.Definitely the buzz I’m used to.But there’s just something different about being here.It feels… more fitting.”
His gaze softens, and I swear his eyes get misty.He blinks it away quickly, brushing imaginary lint from his sleeve.
“All right.I’ve got a meeting to get to.Leave those papers on my desk.I’ll sort them later.”
“Okay, Dad.I’ll see you later.”
I pause at the door.“Oh, wait.What’s happening with you and Nancy?”
He sighs like he should’ve expected that.“We’ve been seeing each other.Coffee turned into dinner, and well… we’re taking it slow.But it’s good.”
“Good?”I say, unable to hide my smile.“Dad, that’s great.I’m happy for you.”
Dad chuckles under his breath, but his expression turns unreadable.
“We’ll talk about it later.”
I nod slowly, not sure what that means, but I hope it’s something positive.
Later that day, after work, I take the steps, ready for a quiet night with Brant.But he opens the door before I reach the door handle, freshly showered and looking...unfairly good.Dark jeans, a Henley that fits a little too perfectly, and his hair styled just enough to look like he didn’t.I know something is up.
“What’s this?”I ask, stepping in.“You look nice.”
