Page 41 of Paging Dr. VanRyan

“A few weeks. We don’t plan on moving until after Heather’s wedding.”

“Wow. I can’t imagine not coming here for dinners.”

“The condo is nice. Two bedrooms, a great view, and a big kitchen. We’ll still have dinners there,” Mom said, looking worried.

I looked around again. “New memories, I guess.” I offered her a smile, not wanting her upset.

Mom nodded, pressing my hand. “Lots of them.”

I squeezed her fingers in return. “Can’t wait to see the place.”

I felt a bit unsettled the rest of the day but stayed busy and got ready to see Maddy on Sunday. She arrived just after lunch, looking pretty and excited. She wore a loose-fitting sundress that tied at her shoulders, and her skin had been kissed by the sun from last weekend, even with the copious amounts of sunscreen we’d both worn that day. It added to her loveliness.

I pulled her inside, shutting the door behind her and tugging her into my arms, kissing her hello. The bag she was carrying hit the floor as she flung her arms around my neck, returning my caresses fully. The taste of her under my mouth and the feel of her against me eased the last of the odd melancholy I’d been feeling since hearing my parents’ news yesterday. Her smile and warmth banished the dull edges poking at my brain.

“Hi,” I murmured against her mouth.

“Hey, handsome.”

I grinned at her. “Already with the compliments. I like that, Nurse Tate.”

She returned my grin, adding a wink. “Just for you, Dr. VanRyan.”

I hugged her again for a moment, the words slipping out before I could stop them. “I missed you.”

She eased back, her eyes wide. “You did?”

I tapped the end of her nose. “Yeah, I did.”

“I missed you too.”

“Then we’re a matching pair.”

She rose up on her toes and pressed a kiss to my lips. “We are.”

“Come and see my place. It’s a great day, and we can hang by the pool for a while.”

“I brought snacks.”

“Even better.”

Maddy

Matthew’s condo wasn’t what I expected. I had assumed a typical-bachelor, busy-doctor abode. A sofa, a huge TV, and not much else.

Instead, it was warm, welcoming. The large TV, yes, but the entire space was well-thought-out and tastefully done. Creams, blues, and greens were the primary colors. Black countertops and simple shaker cabinets done in rich hues made the kitchen a cozy place to work in. His bedroom held a king-size bed, a walk-in closet that was surprisingly neat, although fairly empty, and a spacious en suite with a big shower. There was a small powder room by the front door and a stacking washer/dryer in the hallway closet. His balcony overlooked the pool below, and in the distance, I could see the ocean, the sun twinkling off the waves.

“Nice place,” I murmured.

“I bought it when the market was low. My parents helped me, which was much appreciated.” He shrugged. “I knew I was going to be here for a long time, so it was a good investment. Equity instead of rent.”

“It’s a great condo.”

“I like it. Nice neighbors, easy to get to the hospital. Quiet building. The pool and a decent gym.”

“I’m looking forward to that pool.”

He leered at me. “Me too.”