Chapter 60
CHAPTER SIXTY
Julian
The day everything went down was a long one, at the end of a very long week. But it didn’t matter because I was riding a high so intense I could have run a fucking marathon.
When Leena got off work, we submitted our Relationship Declaration forms to Human Resources together. As soon as we walked out of the office, she went back to meet with her manager and, I called Connor so we could immediately tie up all loose ends.
The relief and satisfaction had me walking around like the cockiest son of a bitch for days. It also didn’t help that my girl had been smiling so contentedly and confidently.
We spent Thanksgiving with her family because she had to work the next day.
It was a little sad to be so close to mine and not spend the day together.
However, with the holiday season coming up, Leena and I plan to go down for a long weekend.
I can’t wait to spend time with my family and experience my hometown with her.
Finally introducing her to my brothers will be interesting.
Today, though, we are heading to Connor’s house for a Friendsgiving he’s been hosting since he came to Bayberry Park.
“Honestly, Mama, I expected you to be a total basket case of nerves about today.” Charlie sticks her head between the front seats to stare at my girl.
I turn to see Leena push a loose strand of hair framing her face behind her ear as she turns in her seat. “I don’t know, I just feel so at peace. Honestly, I can’t wait to show off that he’s my man.” She squeezes my hand resting on her thigh.
Flopping against the back seat, Charlie catches my eye in the rearview mirror with a reassuring smile. She knew I was a little worried Leena would be anxious about our first official appearance as a couple in front of our coworkers today.
After I put the car in park in the driveway, I say, “I’ll get your door.”
Rounding the vehicle, I open both passenger side doors. Taking the covered dish from Leena, I offer my other hand.
My eyes follow her shapely legs as she steps out of the car. Her tight skirt rides up her delectable thighs, offering me a delicious view of purple lace covering her pussy.
When both suede bootie-encased feet are on the ground, she peeks up at me through her thick lashes and seductively smiles as she shimmies the hem of her skirt into place.
“No being naughty. There will be children present.” She pats my chest as she moves to pass me, drawing her hand down my abdomen. Stopping, she looks up at me, “And I don’t mean Charlie.”
Unable to resist, I bend to kiss her lips, uncaring that when I pull away her lipstick will be smudged on my own.
“You are such a fucking tease, pretty girl.”
“I know . . . Doctor.”
The front door swings open just as we reach the stairs. Logan is slipping on his coat as he walks through, halting at the sight of the three of us. His eyes quickly move over Leena and me to linger on Charlie. She is shaking her head at us as she waits for us to catch up.
When she turns toward the front door, Logan’s intense stare is replaced with a carefree smirk.
“If it isn’t the newly-outted couple,” he jests. “You’re all anyone can talk about. Lots of upset would-be suitors, Leena. It seems there would have been a long line if they thought they could change your ‘no mixing business with pleasure’ mindset.”
Gripping Leena’s hip, I pull her in tight to my side. “They never stood a chance,” I say, practically growling.
Laughing, Logan descends the steps, looking at Charlie out of the corner of his eye as he passes. “Of course not, buddy.” He slaps my shoulder, but doesn’t stop. “Enjoy dinner. I’m off to see what kind of tomfoolery has befallen the patient I’ve been summoned to fix.”
“Sorry you have to miss out on all the fun,” Charlie calls over her shoulder.
Leena and Charlie are already walking up the steps, but when Charlie gives Logan a little wave goodbye, his steps stutter.
His eyes lock on his feet, then back up to Charlie, but she's already engrossed in conversation with Leena again, totally unaware that Logan just stumbled.
His eyes slide to mine and I smirk at him.
The girls may not have noticed, but I sure did.
He clears his throat and continues on his way down the path, leaving me with a little secret I can't wait to watch unravel.
It’s a small group of people at Connor’s house. Aside from a little awkwardness and stilted conversation with Diego and Tasha—her being Devin’s closest friend—it has been a good evening spending time with colleagues who are becoming friends.
I talk to a few hospitalists, CRNAs and anesthesiologists, and other surgeons I have met over the last few months. Chelsea and Joanne happily chatted away as we sat down to dinner. Almost no one bats an eye at my constant presence at Leena’s side, or my perpetual touching of her in some way.
Except for Sarina. She apologized profusely to us about the incident earlier in the week.
She was shocked by the message and couldn’t believe I would dare hurt Leena.
Apparently, she suspected something was going on between us from the first time she saw us together—back when she passed us at the entrance of the OR where Leena and I had been shocked to see each other.
I assured her there were no hard feelings and thanked her for her discretion regarding us.
Leena and I just laugh when Charlie rolls her eyes at us, or when Connor takes great joy in ribbing us about our secret relationship. But he also seems genuinely happy for us.
Through it all, my girl holds on to me as tightly as I do her. She smiles up at me often and whispers, “I love you,” when I least expect it.
We couldn’t have asked for a better evening.
A contentment I’ve never experienced before settles over me.