Page 37 of Doctor's Bossy Match
Somer tilts her head, like she’s trying to see beyond the words.“That does sound nice, darling.You could’ve invited him here, you know.”
I smile faintly, warmth curling in my chest again, but this time, it’s something more than just relief or familiarity.It’s this feeling I get whenever Scarlet looks at me like that, or her laugh rings out too long.
“Yeah, I know.”I swirl the wine in my glass as I lean against the counter.“But I think he liked having me to himself today.Kind of… happy to see me again.On my own, you know?”
Somer gives me a knowing smile and winks.“Maybe next time, then.”
I smile back, but my gaze shifts.“Where’s Milton?”Her husband.
She glances over her shoulder.“Oh, he’s out the back somewhere.I hope you’re hungry.Got enough food to feed an army.”
I chuckle, scanning the room.“Where’s Dusty?”
Somer doesn’t seem to notice the shift in my voice.“Probably out back too.With Brant.”
Her words hit me like a splash of cold water, and my grip tightens slightly around the wineglass.Brant?My skin prickles.Surely, she doesn’t mean that Brant.Why would he be here?Why today?
Suddenly, the idea of wandering outside loses its appeal.I’d already bumped into him once today, and now the thought of seeing him again… Something I can’t name takes over my senses.A tension.Or an ache I shouldn’t feel when I’m supposed to be focusing on myself.But somehow, he’s everywhere, filling my thoughts.
I sip my wine slowly, letting the chill of it cool my nerves, and shift my attention back to Somer, who’s talking about her new routine since retiring.
“I’ve been volunteering around town,” she says, eyes lighting up.“At the library, mostly.And the community garden.Keeps me busy.”
“That’s lovely,” I say, grateful for the distraction.“Sounds like the perfect kind of busy.”
Before she can respond, the front door opens.The sound of it makes my heart kick too fast, and I freeze, unsure of who I’m about to see.The footsteps grow louder, approaching.
I turn.“Milton!”I exclaim, my smile coming easily this time.
“Oh, love, it’s so nice to see you,” he says, pulling me into a bear hug, not like the stiff pat my dad gave me.Milton’s hugs have always felt natural.
“Are you ready to eat?”he asks, releasing me.“We’ve just finished cooking.We’re going to dish it up outside.Hope you don’t mind; we figured with the warm night, it’d be a good idea.”
“Not at all.”I smooth my hands down the front of my maxi dress, suddenly glad I chose the blue-and-white one.It fits the summery evening and makes me feel just a little bit...pretty.
“All right, then,” Scarlet chimes in, looping her arm through mine.“Let’s head out.”
I nod, trying to keep my smile steady, but the moment we step out onto the timber deck and go to stand beside Greer, the view makes me forget how to breathe.
The land stretches endlessly, lush green rolling into the horizon.There’s no visible fence line, just open space, tall trees, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of grass and eucalyptus.Not many flowers, but honestly, it’s beautiful in that understated way.I remember playing with Scarlet out the back, making up elaborate stories about being lost princesses who had to survive in the wilderness with whatever we could find.
“Wow,” I whisper.“I forgot how stunning it is out here.”
Scarlet appears beside me, wineglass in hand.“We’ve changed quite a bit?”
I glance at her, smirking.“I suppose that happens after twenty years.”
We laugh together, the sound rising into the warm air.The past flickers between us like a shared secret.I glance toward the yard, and then I see them.
Dusty and Brant.
They’re kicking a ball back and forth across the grass, both wearing relaxed grins.My heart squeezes.Dusty looks so happy.
But my eyes betray me, drifting to Brant, who’s effortlessly confident.The ball curves toward him, and he kicks it back with smooth precision, his white-collared T-shirt lifting just enough to reveal a flash of skin and a dark trail dipping beneath his waistband.My breath stutters.Oh no.
I tear my gaze away, just as Scarlet calls out behind me, making me jump.
“Dusty!Brant!Look who’s here; come and eat!”
