Page 62 of Doctor's Bossy Match
“I’m sure he’s enjoying spending time with you again,” Brant’s mom adds.
I shuffle from foot to foot, delaying leaving a little.“Thanks for letting me crash your morning.”
“Come back anytime,” Brant’s mom says.
“Yeah,” Brant says, stepping up beside me, close enough that his shoulder brushes mine.Causing electricity to shoot through my arm.“We still haven’t played hide-and-seek.”
Scarlet tosses her sunglasses up into her hair and smirks.“Oh no, she’s banned.She’s too good at it.Like some kind of hide-and-seek champion.”
I grin.“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Dusty and Aria are still spinning around in the grass, locked in some kind of dance-off, with a doll and ribbon between them.I head over and kneel down.“Hey, I’ve gotta go, but I’ll see you soon, okay?”
Dusty throws his arms around my neck.We hug, and then I stand and wave goodbye.
“I’ll walk you to your car,” Brant says, already moving to follow.
I lift a hand, trying to wave him off, but when I glance over, Scarlet and his parents are all watching me.His mom’s got that look, half-hopeful, half-nosy, and Scarlet just quirks one eyebrow like she’s already writing a mental note about this to discuss with me next time we talk.
I open my mouth to say I’m fine on my own.
But his dad beats me to it.“That’s a great idea.”
So now I’m walking beside Brant, heart thudding way too hard for a casual stroll, and all I can think is:Great.Exactly what my confused brain doesn’t need.
Because here’s the truth.I like him.He makes it hard not to when he interacts with the kids, the way he protects me unknowingly, and his support at work.
But we’re different.
He’s grounded in this city.I’m just passing through.
And once residency ends, I’m gone.
We reach the edge of the path, my car sitting just a few yards ahead.
Brant slows.His fingers graze mine, and I don’t pull away.
“See you in the morning?”Brant asks, lingering like he doesn’t really want to say goodbye yet.Heat blooms low in my stomach, but I ignore it and nod.“Bright and early.”
He doesn’t move, and neither do I.The sunlight beams across his face, catching the curve of his cheekbone.
“And hey,” he adds, dropping his chin slightly.“Go easy on me during the role reversal.”
A smirk tugs at my lips, but inside, I’m already melting.“No promises,” I say, even though I mean the opposite.
He smiles… and it’s like a sucker punch.
I force myself to turn away, slipping into the driver’s seat, heart still buzzing, fingers curled tight around the steering wheel.I came here for some fresh air, and to hang out with Scarlet and Dusty, not to fall headfirst into… whatever this is.
I drive off with my thoughts on Brant… his gentle way with kids, the quiet pride in his parents’ smiles, the warmth in his eyes when they land on me.Like he sees more than a name badge and a white coat.Like he actually seesme.
Chapter 21
Regan
Ipracticallyskipintowork, heading straight for the break room, halfway through the door before I remember Brant owes me coffee today.
A grin tugs at my lips as I spin on my heel, but I don’t get far.
