Page 43 of Doctor's Bossy Match
Her eyes never leave mine.“At what cost?”
I shake my head slightly, a humorless smile tugging at my mouth.“That’s the question, isn’t it?”
The truth is more complicated than I want to admit.I want a family and someone to come home to.I want to feel that deep-rooted kind of love that makes me rethink my priorities, that makes me want to leave work early, maybe get a pet, build something that isn’t just about saving lives but about living one.
But I can’t prioritize that right now.Not when the chief position is within reach.Every spare moment goes toward proving myself.My downtime consists of morning runs with podcasts in my ears and evening gym sessions before I head back to my same empty house, where ready-made meals await me.It wouldn’t be fair to try dating when I have nothing left to give.
Once I’ve secured the position, though… then I’ll have time.Then I can focus on the personal side.Build the life I actually want.
At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.
The sliding door creaks behind us, laughter spilling out louder now.Our moment is slipping away.
And then her hand crosses the space between us and rests lightly on mine.Her touch is warm as her thumb grazes my wrist, drawing a soft circle around my pulse, which, despite everything, remains calm.
“For what it’s worth,” she says quickly, “I think you’d make an extraordinary chief.Even my father knows it.”She leans in, just enough so only I can hear.“But I also think...there are some things worth risking everything for.”
My fingers close around her hand before I have time to second-guess it.
The door slides open fully, and Scarlet’s voice cuts through the spell.“Regan?Brant?Come in, we’re about to start a game.”
We both stand slowly.I don’t release her hand right away.My eyes search hers, asking a question I don’t dare speak.
She leans in closer, her breath brushing my ear as she whispers, “Some risks look different in the right light.”
My pulse races as I stand frozen for a second longer than I should, her words still tingling on my skin.Suddenly, going inside feels like the hardest decision I’ve had to make all evening.
Chapter 16
Regan
Myphonebuzzesloudlyon the nightstand.I groan, one arm flinging across my eyes to block out the light filtering through the curtains.As I stretch toward the sound, every sore muscle aches.
Eight fifty-five.
Seriously?It’s too early on a day off.
I squint at the screen, expecting a work alert or maybe a message from Scarlet.But no, it’s Mom.I blink, remembering I was going to call her today.
I swipe to answer and croak, “Hi.”
“Are you still in bed?”she asks, amused and not even trying to hide it.
“Yeah,” I admit, dragging myself upright and fluffing the pillow behind me.My back hits the headboard.“It’s been a long week.I was actually going to call you when I got up.”
“Well, I beat you to it.”
“You did.”I smile, the sound of her voice already making the morning feel a little less rough.“What are you up to today?”
“I was heading to work later, but figured I’d check in.See how everything’s going.”
My mom’s a hospital administrator.She’s constantly juggling crises and staying late, so a morning call from her is basically a miracle.
I nod, even though she can’t see it.“Yeah, it’s good.I feel...more settled.”
“I’m glad, sweetheart.”
I hesitate, choosing my next words carefully, because I don’t want to bring up helping Dad with the renovations.That feels...weird.
