Page 64 of Family Bonds- Gabriela & Luca

She strutted back to the living room in her heels, just her big toe and the one next to it peeking out with the same polish as the color of her dress.

Her hair was in loose waves, her side part a bit more exaggerated, her makeup minimal but visible. Exactly how she’d done it for the last event they went to together.

Why mess with what worked?

“Shit,” he said. “I better get all my cussing out now before I get in front of more coworkers.”

She did a tiny twirl. “I thought the pedicure was a nice touch.”

His eyes dropped, she stepped one leg out, the slit giving way to more leg and pointed her toe side to side.

“It is,” he said, clearing his throat.

She reached for her black jacket, slipped it on, covering most of her dress, then fit her arm through his. “I think we make a pretty dashing couple tonight, don’t we?”

“I’m not used to getting into fights, but if anyone’s eyes are on you too long, fists might be flying.”

“Aww, I found that very sweet.”

“That you like men fighting over you?”

“Never that. Just that you’d defend me if that happened.” She locked her door. “You know, other men have complimented me in the past.”

“You don’t say.”

She laughed. “I do look good tonight. But what I was going to say was that normally it’s cheesy. Or they’ve planned it exactly that way. With you, I’m positive it just slipped out.”

“You seem to have that effect on me.”

She patted his arm. “Glad to know it’s not only me that is infected.”

“Being doctors and all, we could cure it.”

“Maybe I don’t want to,” she said, then stepped into the elevator.

“Gabriela,” Dr. Green said, moving closer to her almost the minute they arrived in the massive ballroom of the hotel. “We are so glad you could attend. How is it going on the island?”

The Chief of Pediatrics kept his eyes on her face. She always liked him. He was nice, professional, and didn’t put up with any bullshit.

He always sought her out and she knew it had more to do with her family name than her ability to do her job.

Take the good with the bad.

Others had made comments about it in the past, but she brushed it off because there wasn’t much she could say.

She knew it was true.

It came with being part of the Bond family and a long line of medical professionals on the Mills side.

Many who had held head of department positions, just like her father had now. Her grandfather before him.

“It’s going well. I was just telling a few others how I love the five days on, ten off.”

“That’s what we like to hear,” Dr. Green said. “Luca, how are you finding the island?”

She knew Dr. Green would have interviewed Luca. It wasn’t that long ago, but he was good with names so no surprise he’d remember.

“It’s a lovely place to live and work. I’m finding my way around. Gabriela has been instrumental in my transition.”