Episode 185
EPISODE 185
DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE
Emily
So much for not facing the day. On my way toward the staircase to head to my suite, I meet Evangeline and a woman I don’t recognize. She’s tall and gorgeous, with honey-blond hair and striking green eyes.
“Emily,” Evangeline says, stopping me, “I’d like you to meet Dr. Darby Sullivan. She’ll be staying on as our physician.”
Lovely. Where was she when Rachel nearly drowned? Or when Ariel got cut in the kitchen due to my negligence? Of course, what the hell does Ariel care? She’s already snagged a billionaire.
Dr. Sullivan holds out her hand. “Emily, is it? Very nice to meet you.”
I take her hand. “A pleasure.”
Her eyes remind me of another doctor’s eyes. Ginger had beautiful green eyes too. Is it a physician thing?
“If you’ll excuse me?—”
“Please come with us,” Evangeline says. “We’re heading out to the deck where I’ll call everyone down to meet Dr. Sullivan.”
“Call me Darby, Ev. Please.”
Ev? The lovely doctor isn’t one for etiquette right off the bat. Just what we need here. Another beautiful and brilliant woman.
“Sure,” I say politely as I follow the two back out to the deck where Misty is still sitting. A moment later, Ariel and Alex arrive, followed by Heather and June.
Only Brett, Sienna, and Sebastian are missing.
And River, of course, but he’s in Miami doing God only knows what.
Evangeline makes introductions, quickly, and then she sits down with Ariel and Alex, presumably to talk about their wedding, which will take place tomorrow.
I’ve got to hand it to her. If she can put together the wedding of Ariel’s dreams in two days, Evangeline is damned good at her job, despite what’s gone wrong so far at this event.
After finding an adorable Southern belle for New York Times bestselling author and billionaire Alex Maxwell, Evangeline will be in high demand.
Heather, June, and Misty are chatting with Darby.
I’m hesitant to join them, and I’m slowly backing away until Misty gestures me over.
“Em, come hang with us!”
I’d so rather not, but what good will it do for me to sulk in my suite about River? About my love for him? About my guilt over letting Sebastian fuck me? About...everything?
At least River is taking care of my blackmailer. I got the email this morning already that my designs are being returned. Of course, what’s to stop the bastard from stalking me again, stealing from me again ?
“I just love your accent,” Darby gushes when I say hello. “Where are you from?”
“London,” I say. “But I live in New York now.”
“Right, you’re a fashion designer.” Darby smiles, showcasing perfect white teeth. “Ev told me about all of you and what you do.”
“What kind of medicine do you practice?” Heather asks. “We had a dermatologist here, but she...left.”
“Yes, Dr. Swanson.” Darby clears her throat. “I heard. I’m a family practitioner in Miami.”
“Miami?” I raise my eyebrows.
“Yes, do you have family there?”
“Oh. No.” Just...that’s where River is. The man I’m in love with. Who’s not in love with me.
“I love it,” she says. “I could live on the beach.”
Heather takes a sip of iced coffee. “How were you able to leave your practice with such short notice?”
“I’m actually between practices at the moment, so it wasn’t a problem.” She smiles. “Anyone for a mimosa?”
“Absolutely!” Misty gestures to one of the staff members. “A mimosa for our new doctor friend,” she says. “And another for me.”
I’m all for day drinking, though I’m not currently in the mood. But isn’t this woman supposed to be our on-site physician?
I suppose one mimosa won’t hurt.
Darby continues chatting with the ladies when, out of the corner of my eye, I spy Brett and Sienna walking onto the deck.
Good. My chance to escape. I don’t know Brett very well, but I do know Sienna. I’m thrilled that she returned. Other than Ariel, she’s the closest thing I have to a friend here .
“Meet our new doctor,” I say to them dryly, pointing to Darby with my eyes.
“Wow,” Sienna says. “She’s gorgeous.”
“She is.” From Brett. “But I only have eyes for you.”
I stop my jaw from dropping. “So our Evangeline has made another match?”
Brett curves his lips into that hunky surfer-boy smile. “We’re in love. I know it’s sudden, but it feels right. Righter than anything has to me in a long time.”
I glance at Sienna, raising my eyebrows. After all, she was only too happy to join Zion and me in that delectable threesome only days ago.
“For me as well.” She sighs. “Once I got over trying to replace Leroy with orgasms, I realized I wasn’t giving anyone a real chance.”
“This quickly?” I ask.
“No more quickly than for Alex and Ariel,” Brett says.
I force a smile. “I’m thrilled for both of you!” I grab Sienna in a hug and whisper, “Are you sure?”
She nods against my cheek.
Well, then.
Two down.
Only two billionaires are left, both of whom I’ve fucked.
One of whom I love.
I turn away from the ecstatic couple, my smile fading to a wistful expression as I wander to the edge of the deck, staring out at the courtyard. The sun is high in the clear sky. But my mind is anywhere but here...it’s with River. Where is he now? What is he doing? Is he thinking about me?
The clinking sound of glass snaps me out of my daydream and I turn to see Darby raising her glass in a toast.
“To new beginnings,” she proclaims brightly, earning enthusiastic nods and murmurs of agreement from the others.
A pang of envy shoots through me. How easy it is for them all to look forward to new beginnings when my own life seems to be caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty and regret.
As I’m contemplating this, Sebastian finally strides onto the deck, scanning the area until his gaze lands on me. His face is hard, unreadable, like he’s carved out of stone, but his eyes betray a storm brewing just beneath the surface.
A confusing jolt of warmth courses through me. I’m startled by it, but I quickly push the feeling away. I can’t afford to be confused now, not with everything that’s happening.
I’m in love with River.
Damn it. I’m in love with River.