Chapter 43
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Gaines
I like ice cream almost as much as green beans, but I saw this as a way to get exactly what I wanted today, and that’s more time with my lamb.
If there’s a master class on how to eat ice cream, Eloise Rehn should be the goddamn professor.
The way she licked the tip of the spoon between each bite had my cock aching for a turn.
Naturally, I had to calm the bastard down with deep breaths and thoughts of everything in the world that is non-sexual since I was hosting this ice cream soirée in the middle of the hospital cafeteria.
The situation goes from bad to worse when I spot Dr. Scott on the approach.
I envisioned finishing out my day at my office, but I was called back in at the request of Mr. Brokenshire’s son. He flew in from Albuquerque after I contacted him around midnight.
I hurried back here to reassure him his father would pull through. Dr. Sexton offered the same words, but in his lackluster way, so I stepped in so that the younger Mr. Brokenshire could get at least a few hours of sleep tonight at a hotel a couple of blocks from here.
Evan wastes no time introducing himself as soon as he’s within a foot of the table. “I’m Dr. Scott. Who do we have here?”
“Stevie Morgan,” Stevie jumps out of her chair. “This is my mom, Astrid Morgan, and my friend, Eloise Rehn. You probably already know Gaines.”
“I sure as hell do.”
Stevie’s nose scrunches. I can tell she’s about to ask Evan to commit a hundred dollars to our swear fund, so I step in and offer to cover that. “I’ll transfer one hundred on his behalf tonight.”
Stevie grins. “I can live with that.”
“Am I missing something?” Evan asks.
I nod. “Watch your mouth, Dr. Scott.”
Realization hits him. “Excuse my language, young lady.”
Stevie laughs. “Don’t sweat it. We all let one slip once in a while.”
The table erupts in laughter.
Evan focuses his gaze on Eloise. “I saw you here a few weeks back, right? You were hanging out with Saylor Robinson and Dax’s girlfriend.”
“Penny,” Eloise fills in that blank. “I was. It’s nice to meet you, sir.”
She tosses me a look along with a smirk.
If she’s looking for another angry fuck, I can make that happen if she keeps teasing me. I already have a handful of questions about Logan, but that can wait because it seems our ice cream party is about to balloon in size.
“Els!” Saylor Robinson’s voice fills the entire cafeteria as she races toward us.
She’s holding tightly to her lamb. It’s wrapped up in something that looks a hell of a lot like a sweater.
“I’m going to leave you to this.” Evan pats my shoulder. “I was just passing through on my way home.”
I send him off with a tap on the back after he says goodbye to everyone.
Eloise is on her feet before Saylor reaches our table. She crouches to give the little girl a hug.
Penny and Dax are just steps behind her, followed by Mrs. Robinson and a man who bears a striking resemblance to Saylor. They share the same eye and hair color. The dimple in her chin matches the one in his.
Penny greets us, “Dr. Morgan and everyone else.”
Astrid laughs as she pushes to stand. “I’m Astrid. I’m going to guess that you’re Pen.”
Penny looks genuinely touched. “How did you know?”
“Eloise mentioned you were a very pretty redhead.” She smiles. “She was right.”
Dax continues the introductions, ending with me. “Dad, this is the man. This is Dr. Morgan. He saved my life.”
Stevie gasps. “You saved his life, Gaines?”
“He did.” Saylor moves to stand next to Stevie. “That doctor is a lifesaver. Just like my favorite candy.”
Stevie nods. “Mine is chocolate. Do you want some ice cream?”
The two work that out with Astrid as I shake Mr. Robinson’s hand. “It’s good to meet you.”
He slips his hand away from mine to wrap his arms around me. “Thank you, doctor. You saved my boy.”
My phone chirps in my pocket. I know that notification. It’s for an email, but the crowd gathered isn’t aware, so I use the excuse that has never failed me. “I’m needed in the ED.”
“Of course, “ a few voices toss that out.
I turn to Daxton. “You’re not back for a medical reason, are you? You’re still doing all right?”
“I’m good.” He nods. “We took a chance, hoping you’d be here so my dad could meet you.”
It’s not the first time a grateful family has tracked me down.
“It was good to see all of you.” I circle, stopping to give Eloise an extra second of my attention. “I’ll go take care of that issue now.”
I set off toward the exit.
I hear hurried footsteps behind me, but I know they’re too heavy to belong to my lamb. I glance over my shoulder to see Daxton sprinting my way.
A month ago, movement like that would have caused him distress. Today, he’s not breaking a sweat.
“I have a quick question.” He rounds me, stopping me in my tracks.
I know what’s coming, but I don’t interrupt. I simply nod.
“You’re sure it’s okay if I get…” His voice trails as he steps closer. “It’s okay if I get physical with Pen. I’ve got it all planned out for tomorrow.”
I glance back at the people I just left. Penny’s gaze is pinned to us, as is Eloise’s, but I know they’re for two very different reasons.
Penny is focused on her boyfriend. Eloise can’t take her eyes off of me.
Jesus. I may be the luckiest bastard in this city.
“Have fun, Dax.” I look him in the eye. “You’re good to go.”
His entire face lights up as he smiles. “It’s going to be epic. I’ve never liked a girl this much. I’m nervous as hell, but I want this. I’ve never wanted a woman more.”
I know that feeling all too well.
He pats my shoulder. “You’ve been good to me, Dr. Morgan. If I can ever do anything for you, let me know.”
“Live a long and happy life,” I tell him. “That’s all I’ll ever ask of you.”