Chapter 28 #2
The words hit harder than they should. A quiet little punch to the gut. I thought maybe we were moving past his subtle digs, but here we are again.
“Right,” I murmur. “I’m going to shower.”
I disappear down the hallway before he can say anything else, locking the bathroom door behind me. The hot water runs over my skin, washing away the day. I breathe through it. I won’t let him ruin tonight.
I think about Brant.
About how he’ll look tonight. Maybe in a charcoal suit. Maybe not so collected when he sees me.
Even if Dad’s there, Brant has a way of calming me by just being in the room. And the Kings, including Scarlet, will no doubt light up the place with their energy and warmth. That’s what I’m clinging to tonight, the people who make me feel loved.
I pick out a soft, emerald, shimmery green midi-dress. It’s not too over the top, just party perfect.
Then I curl my hair and add some makeup. When I’m finished, I stare at myself in the mirror for a moment, admiring how pretty I feel before I head to the car.
The hospital’s conference atrium has been completely transformed for the event.
Pulse Point clearly doesn’t do anything half assed.
Soft jazz plays from near the back from Pulse Point Revival, with a sign and lights glowing from strings of hanging bulbs that crisscross the high ceiling.
A few tables are lined with fresh white linen, scattered with tiny floral arrangements and flickering candles.
The air smells faintly of champagne, orchids, and something buttery.
I step through the doors, heart thudding as the nerves set in. My heels click softly on the polished floor as I scan the crowd looking for him.
Then I spot Scarlet, and everything inside me settles.
She stands near the refreshments table in a flowing blue dress that fits her like a dream. Her smile widens when she sees me.
“You look amazing,” I say.
She laughs and pulls me into a quick hug. “Look at you, gorgeous as ever.”
Her words warm me from the inside out.
But my favorite part?
Dusty.
I squat down in front of him, grinning. “Dusty. Look at you, so handsome.”
He beams, tugging on the collar of his crisp button-up. His dark jeans are cuffed at the ankle, and his tiny shoes are polished to perfection.
“I love this outfit on you,” I tell him, brushing a bit of lint from his sleeve. “You look so grown up tonight.”
He puffs out his chest proudly. “I picked it myself.”
I exchange a look with Scarlet. “You’ve got a heartbreaker on your hands.”
She laughs, and I stand again, letting the energy of the night swirl around us. Somewhere in this crowd is Brant.
And I know, without even seeing him yet, that the second our eyes meet, this party is going to get a lot more interesting.
Spotting him across the room, I watch Brant talk to one of the board members, drink in hand, tailored suit catching the light just right. He looks damn good.
Scarlet’s parents walk over, so I compose myself and greet them warmly.
We chat a bit about the ward, how amazing it turned out, and the excitement around the hospital since the ribbon-cutting.
They’re all beaming with pride, and it’s infectious.
I feel it too, something like pride, but also something deeper, more personal.
Maybe because this place doesn’t just have my work in it, but it also has me in it now too.
I’m feeling more connected every single day.
I survey the room for Dad before I step toward Brant, but then Scarlet’s husband, Greer, appears with a tray of drinks. “Oh! I didn’t realize you were here,” he says, eyes wide. “I would’ve grabbed you one.”
“It’s fine,” I say, smiling. “I’ll grab one in a bit.”
“No, let me,” he insists, already stepping back.
Before I can argue, Dusty darts off after him, clearly more excited about juice than adult conversation.
Scarlet and I are suddenly alone as her parents spark a conversation with board members. She exhales like she’s been waiting for this moment all evening.
“Oh, thank God,” she says, leaning in. “I wanted to ask you something.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Yeah?”
She glances over my shoulder. I follow her gaze to Brant, who’s now nodding at something Dr. Pierce said. My heart stutters. He looks relaxed. But then I realize Scarlet is looking at him and then looking at me.
“Is everything okay with you and Brant?”
My breath catches. Panic hits me in the chest, and then it turns to guilt. I hate lying to my best friend.
She knows.
I blink hard, trying to keep my expression neutral. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
“He won’t stop looking at you. I noticed it earlier, and… even now.”
I bite the inside of my cheek, heat threatening to spread across my face. I try so hard not to smile. But she’s not wrong.
Scarlet narrows her eyes, a spark of mischief in them. “Something is going on, isn’t it?”
“It’s nothing serious.” I look down, brushing imaginary creases off my dress like it’s the most interesting thing in the world.
“Oh, my God.” She grabs my arm, her fingers digging in. “You need to tell me everything.”
“There’s nothing to tell,” I say, even as my face betrays me. My lips are already curving up. “Honestly, it’s just… we’re having a little fun. That’s all.”
“You two would be perfect together,” she says, too loudly.
“Scar,” I hiss, glancing around. “Calm down.”
“I can’t.” She’s practically bouncing. “This is the most exciting thing since the announcement of the new wing.”
“I’m not sticking around after this year,” I remind her, quieter now, because it makes me feel uneasy. “And he’s about to be made chief. He deserves it. The last thing I want is to put that at risk.”
“You really think it would?” she asks as she studies me.
I shrug, even though the answer is yes. “We’ve both been honest about it. Neither of us is looking for anything serious.”
Scarlet’s gaze sharpens. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah.” I nod, maybe too quickly. “We’re on the same page. We talked about it. It actually feels... good.” Liar. Because that’s what I am to both Scarlet and myself.
She gives me a long, searching look. “No feelings at all? Not even a little more than just... fun?”
“I mean, maybe a little. But that’s natural, right?
” I rush to say. Panic flutters in my chest because I’ve said too much.
“He’s been really good to work with. He trusts me.
He gives me independence. When my dad was breathing down my neck, Brant supported me.
I needed that. Watching him like that is probably messing with my head. ”
“You sure that’s all it is?”
“I’ll be fine.” I lift my chin, trying to believe it myself. “It’ll pass. I’ll move on. That’s what this was always meant to be.”
Scarlet doesn’t look convinced. “Well, for what it’s worth, I think you two would work. Long distance isn’t impossible. You’re not married to the city.”
I roll my eyes. “Oh, please. This is not a love story. It’s just fun.”
“Mmhmm,” she hums, clearly not buying it. “Still, keep me updated. I love you. And I just want you happy.”
I soften, my smile turning real as something tight tugs in my chest. “I am happy.”
“I know, but…” She sighs, brushing a curl behind her ear as her eyes flick toward the crowd. “He’s a good guy. So are you. And look, I’ll admit, there were things about him I didn’t see at first, but now? I totally get the appeal.”
I let out a laugh, tipping my head back slightly. “If I ever do need to talk, you’ll be my first call.”
“Good.” She bumps her shoulder lightly against mine. “You shouldn’t have to carry this alone. And if it ever stops being fun, I’ll be here. No judgment.”
I smile, tugging the hem of my dress nervously. “Thanks. But it’s really just a fling. Have some fun... and then head back home.” My heart drops at the admission.
Scarlet groans dramatically, dragging a hand down her face. “Ugh, I’m gonna miss you. This sucks.”
“I know.” I glance around the room, feeling a pang of sadness about leaving Scarlet. “It’s already been over three months. How?”
She smirks and leans in, lowering her voice. “Time flies when you’re making out with hot doctors.”
I snort a laugh as we link arms. “C’mon, let’s go mingle.”
“Oh, hang on. Greer is bringing back drinks.” She stops us with a tug. “What about your dad? He doesn’t know, does he?”
I freeze mid-step, a chill running down my spine. “God, no.” I scan the room, looking for Brant, spotting him still across the room talking. Our eyes meet for a second. “If he found out... Brant wouldn’t stand a chance at getting chief.”
Scarlet winces, her face contorting in sympathy. “That’s not fair.”
“I know.” I swallow hard as my pulse tics faster. “That’s why we’re being careful. I want him to get it.”
“I totally agree,” she says firmly, squeezing my arm. “I don’t know anyone more deserving.”
I weave my way through the crowd alone, chatting with directors, donors, nurses, and a few of the hospital's higher-ups.
Eventually, I slip away to the bathroom for a break, needing a quick breather.
But before I can open the door, a hand grabs mine and pulls me backward. My gasp gets caught in my throat as I’m pulled into a room.
And then Brant’s lips are on mine.
My hands fly to his hair, threading through the dark strands as I kiss him back.
I don’t know which room we’re in: could be the janitor’s closet or an empty office, but it’s dark, and it’s private, and all I can feel is him.
He pulls back, breathless, eyes hungry.
“You look incredible,” Brant murmurs roughly. “The second you walked in, I was desperate to kiss you.”
My hands fist in his shirt, anchoring myself because my legs feel unsteady. “I couldn’t stop staring at you either.”
His hands slide down the sides of my dress, fingertips grazing my waist.
“You look so beautiful,” he says again.
“My dad warned me to wear something appropriate tonight.”
Brant smirks. “I like you in inappropriate clothing… and out of it.”
I blink slowly. “Only you get to see me in inappropriate clothing. Is that what you’re saying?”